Ligands of the benzo [h] quinoline class and transition metal complexes containing them and use of said complexes as catalysts

ABSTRACT

A new class of ligands derived from benzo[h]quinoline are described and these ligands are used to prepare several novel transition metal complexes. The complexes are preferably of the group VIII transition metals iron, ruthenium or osmium, with the benzo[h]quinoline ligands acting as tridentate ligands. The complexes described are proved to be very active catalysts for the reduction of ketones and aldehydes to alcohols, via hydrogen transfer and hydrogenation reactions. These compounds hence can be usefully employed as catalysts in said reduction reactions.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to new tridentate ligands derived from benzo[h]quinoline and to new complexes of transition metals, in particular group VIII transition metals selected from iron, ruthenium and osmium obtained therewith. The invention relates also to methods for preparing the ligands and the relative complexes as well as to the use of the complexes, isolated or prepared in situ, as catalysts of ketone, aldehyde and imine reduction reactions either by hydrogen transfer or with hydrogen gas.

STATE OF THE ART

In recent years cyclometalated transition metal complexes containing either tridentate (PCP, NCN, CNN) (M. Albrecht, G. van Koten, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2001, 40, 3750; M. E. van der Boom, D. Milstein, Chem. Rev. 2003, 103, 1759; J. T. Singleton, Tetrahedron 2003, 59, 1837) or bidentate (PC, NC) cyclometalated ligands (W. Baratta, P. Da Ros, A. Del Zotto, A. Sechi, E. Zangrando, P. Rigo Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2004, 43, 3584; J. B. Sortais, V. Ritleng, A. Voelklin, A. Holuigue, H. Smail, L. Baryol, C. Sirlin, G. K. M. Verzijl, A. H. M. de Vries, M. Pfeffer, Org. Lett, 2005, 7, 1247) have found various applications in organometallic chemistry and in homogeneous catalysis. The interest in catalysis for these systems derives from the fact that they generally have a high degree of thermal stability and that the presence of a metal-carbon σ covalent bond hinders the detaching of the ligand from the metal. For example cyclometalated Ru complexes, with either bidentate CN ligands (J. B. Sortais, L. Baryol, C. Sirlin, A. H. M. de Vries, J. G. de Vries, M. Pfeffer, Pure Appl. Chem., 2006, 78, 475) or tridentate CNN ligands (W. Baratta, G. Chelucci, S. Gladiali, K. Siega, M. Toniutti, M. Zanette, E. Zangrando, P. Rigo, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2005, 44, 6214), have been used with good results as catalytic precursors in hydrogen transfer reactions. It is also to be noted that bidentate N-donor ligands have found a number of applications over recent decades in the synthesis of various types of catalytic systems based on transition metals either alone or in combination with other ancillary ligands such as phosphines and arenes (M. Lemaire et al. Chem. Rev., 2000, 100, 2159). Hence Ru/diphosphine/diamine systems, with diamines of the type H₂N-Q-NH₂, are excellent catalysts for the selective homogeneous hydrogenation of various types of ketones (R. Noyori, T. Ohkuma, Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. Engl. 2001, 40, 40; R. H. Morris et al. Coord. Chem. Rev. 2004, 248, 2201), whereas when the bidentate N-donor ligand is of the amino-pyridine type, as in [RuCl₂(diphosphine)(2-aminomethylpyridine)], these systems are particularly active as catalysts in the reduction of carbonyl compounds by hydrogen transfer in 2-propanol (W. Baratta, E. Herdtweck, K. Siega, M. Toniutti, P. Rigo, Organometallics 2005, 24, 1660; W. Baratta, K. Siega, M. Toniutti, P. Rigo, WO 2005/1058191). The catalytic activity in hydrogen transfer increases further by using ligands, such as 6-aryl-2-(aminomethyl)pyridine, in which a group able to give cyclometalation reactions is linked to the 2-aminomethylpyridine backbone (W. Baratta, G. Chelucci, S. Gladiali, K. Siega, M. Toniutti, M. Zanette, E. Zangrando, P. Rigo, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2005, 44, 6214).

The reduction of carbonyl compounds such as ketones and aldehydes is a reaction of wide-ranging applicative interest that has led in the recent years to an intense research activity. In this respect, as well as biocatalytic reduction methods and methods based on the use of metal hydrides such as LiAlH₄, two additional and different hydrogenation methods have been developed:

1) reduction with molecular hydrogen using catalytic systems based on transition metals; 2) catalytic reduction by hydrogen transfer, using formic acid or 2-propanol as hydrogen donors.

Good results have been obtained with both methods using in particular systems based on ruthenium(II) complexes containing various ligand types. From an industrial viewpoint both technologies present advantages and disadvantages. In this respect hydrogenation reactions of carbonyl compounds with hydrogen gas are generally carried out under pressure, which can be a source of risk and requires dedicated plants, though with the advantage of having highly active catalytic systems which operate at moderate temperatures. In processes based on transfer reactions, 2-propanol is normally used as both the hydrogen source and reaction solvent, and presents the advantages of having a low boiling point, low toxicity and low environmental impact. Due to its simplicity of operation and the good results that it can give, catalytic hydrogen transfer is a useful alternative to reduction with hydrogen primarily for small and medium scale reactions. It should be noted, however, that catalytic systems available for hydrogen transfer are not generally highly active and this entails long reaction times and low plant utilization, in addition to the risk of catalyst deactivation and decomposition over time.

Also of note is that, with rare exceptions, the catalysts active in hydrogen transfer are poorly active in hydrogenation and vice-versa (T. Ohkuma, C. A. Sandoval, R. Srinivasan, Q. Lin, Y. Wei, K. Muçiz, R. Noyori, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2005, 127, 8288; F. Naud, C. Malan, F. Spindler, C. Ruggerberg, A. T. Schimdt, H-U Blaser, Adv. Synth. Catal. 2006, 348, 47).

Hydrogenation Reactions

For reduction with molecular hydrogen, catalytic systems based on various transition metals (Ir, Rh, Pd, Ni) have been used, but particular attention has been concentrated on ruthenium derivatives. Compounds of the type [RuCl₂(phosphine)₂(1,2-diamine)] and [RuCl₂(diphosphine)(1,2-diamine)] in a basic media, are excellent catalysts for the selective hydrogenation, in homogeneous phase, of various types of ketones. In addition, with a suitable combination of chiral diphosphines and diamines, enantioselective hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds can be achieved with the formation of optically active alcohols with high enantiomeric excesses. The reactions are generally carried out with hydrogen under pressure and moderate temperatures (R. Noyori, Asymmetric Catalysis in Organic Synthesis, Ed. R. Noyori, 1994, pp. 56-82; T. Ohkuma, H. Ooka, T. Ikariya, R. Noyori, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1995, 117, 10417; R. Noyori, T. Ohkuma, Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. Engl. 2001, 40, 40; K. V. L. Crépy, T. Imamoto, Adv. Synth. Catal 2003, 345, 79; R. H. Morris et al. Coord. Chem. Rev. 2004, 248, 2201). It is to be noted that complexes containing bidentate ligands of amine-pyridine type, such as [RuCl₂(diphosphine)(2-aminomethylpyridine)], can catalyse, depending on the diphosphine and solvent, both the hydrogenation reaction and hydrogen transfer reaction (W. Baratta, E. Herdtweck, K. Siega, M. Toniutti, P. Rigo, Organometallics 2005, 24, 1660; T. Ohkuma, C. A. Sandoval, R. Srinivasan, Q. Lin, Y. Wei, K. Muçiz, R. Noyori, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2005, 127, 8288). As well as with Ru/diphosphine/diamine systems, interesting results have also been obtained in catalytic hydrogenation with ruthenium complexes containing tetradentate diamino-diphosphine and diimino-diphosphine ligands (R. H. Morris et al. Chem. Eur. J. 2003, 9, 4954; V. Rautenstrauch et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,878,852) and with a series of ruthenium compounds with ligands of phosphino-oxazoline type (H. A. McManus, P. J. Guiry, Chem. Rev. 2004, 104, 4151; T. Naud et al., Adv. Synth. Catal. 2006, 348, 47).

Hydrogen Transfer

In transfer reductions of carbonyl compounds, 2-propanol, which is also the reaction solvent, or a formic acid/triethylamine mixture, are normally used as hydrogen source (G. Zassinovich, G. Mestroni, S. Gladiali, Chem. Rev. 1992, 92, 1051; R. Noyori, S. Hashiguchi, Acc. Chem. Res. 1997, 30, 97; J.-E. Bäckvall, J. Organomet. Chem. 2002, 652, 105; M. J. Palmer, M. Wills, Thetrahedron: Asymmetry 1999, 10, 2045; J. S. M. Samec, J. E. Bäckvall, P. G. Andersson, P. Brandt, Chem. Soc. Rev. 2006, 35, 237; S. Gladiali, E. Alberico, Chem. Soc. Rev. 2006, 35, 226).

Transition metal based catalysts such as rhodium and iridium have been used (M. J. Palmer, M. Wills, Thetrahedron: Asymmetry 1999, 10, 2045; A. J. Blazer, B. J. Mellor, U.S. Pat. No. 6,372,93 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,545,188; A. C. Hillier, H. M. Lee, E. D. Stevens, S. P, Nolan, Organometallics 2001, 20, 4246; J Bäckvall, J. Organomet. Chem. 2002, 652, 105), but the most interesting results for the enantioselective reduction of ketones have been achieved with ruthenium derivatives. These include in particular arene-ruthenium complexes with diamine or β-aminoalcohol ligands (K.-J. Haack, S. Hashiguchi, A. Fujii, T. Ikariya, R. Noyori, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl. 1997, 36, 285; T. Ikariya S. Hashiguchi, J. Takehara, N. Uematsu, K. Matsumara, R. Noyori, A. Fujii, U.S. Pat. No. 6,184,381; K. Everaere, A. Mortreaux, J. Carpentier, Adv. Synth. Catal. 2003, 345, 67; T. Ikariya, K. Murata, R. Noyori, Org. Biomol. Chem. 2006, 4, 393), complexes with tetradentate ligands of diphosphine-diamine and diphosphine-diimine type (J.-X. Gao, T. Ikarya, R. Noyori, Organometallics, 1996, 15, 1087), complexes with oxazoline ligands (Y. Jiang, Q. Jiang, X, Zhang, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1998, 120, 3817; X. Zhang, U.S. Pat. No. 6,451,727) and with oxazoline ferrocenylphosphine ligands (Y. Nishibayashi, I. Takei, S. Uemura, M. Hidai, Organometallics 1999, 18, 2291). Furthermore, with the 2-aminomethylpyridine ligand, complexes of the type [RuCl₂(P₂)(2-aminomethylpyridine)] (P phosphorus atoms of mono or bidentate phosphines) have been obtained, having very high catalytic activities with TOF values (turnover frequency=number of moles of ketone converted to alcohol per mole of catalyst per hour at 50% conversion) able to attain 10⁵ h⁻¹ (W. Baratta, E. Herdtweck, K. Siega, M. Toniutti, P. Rigo, Organometallics 2005, 24, 1660; W. Baratta, K. Siega, M. Toniutti, P. Rigo, WO 2005/1058191). The catalytic activity increases further using potentially tridentate ligands, such as 6-aryl-2-(aminomethyl)pyridine, containing an aryl group capable of giving cyclometalation (TOF to 10⁶ h⁻¹) (W. Baratta, G. Chelucci, S. Gladiali, K. Siega, M. Toniutti, M. Zanette, E. Zangrando, P. Rigo, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2005, 44, 6214; W. Baratta, M. Bosco, G. Chelucci, A. Del Zotto, K. Siega, M. Toniutti, E. Zangrando, P. Rigo, Organometallics 2006, 25, 4611).

It is to be mentioned that the highly active catalytic systems for non-enantioselective reduction of ketones described by van Koten and co-workers (P. Dani, T. Karlen, R. A. Gossage, S. Gladiali, G. van Koten, Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. Engl. 2000, 39, 743; M. Gagliardo, P. A. Chase, S. Brouwer, G. P. M. van Klink, G. van Koten Organometallics, 2007, 26, 2219) of “pincer-aryl” type of formula RuX[C₆H₃(CH₂PPh₂)₂-2,6](PPh₃) (X═C₁, CF₃SO₃), having a stable Ru—C aryl bond, and those published by Mathieu containing tridentate pyridine ligands, which exhibit TOF values of up to 90000 h⁻¹ for the acetophenone reduction (H. Yang, M. Alvarez, N. Lugan, R. Mathieu, J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Commun. 1995, 1721; H. Yang, M. Alvarez-Gressier, N. Lugan, R. Mathieu, Organometallics 1997, 16, 1401) even if their rapid deactivation limits their use in organic synthesis. Moreover, in a recent study, Mathey and Le Floch (C. Thoumazet, M. Melaimi, L. Ricard, F. Mathey, P. Le Floch, Organometallics 2003, 22, 2580) described a new arene-ruthenium catalyst containing the ligand N, P bidentate 1-(2-methylpyridine)-2,5 diphenylphosphole, which exhibits TOF values up to 10⁶ h⁻¹ for a number of ketones, however the extremely long times required (several days at 90° C.) limit its practical use.

In order to make the reduction of ketones to alcohols by hydrogen transfer economically competitive, the synthesis of novel catalysts showing high activity and productivity is a fundamental target. This is particularly important if the catalytic systems can lead to enantioselective reduction, affording optically active alcohols from prochiral ketones.

One purpose of the present invention is therefore to identify new ligands of HCNN type and new complexes of group VIII metals obtained therewith to be used in catalysis. A further purpose of the present invention is the synthesis of complexes of group VIII transition metals consisting of iron, ruthenium and osmium containing cyclometalated CNN ligands, eventually chiral, and phosphines, usable as highly active catalysts in the asymmetric and non-asymmetric reduction of carbonyl or imino compounds with hydrogen gas or by hydrogen transfer. A further purpose of the present invention is to obtain ruthenium (II) and osmium(II) complexes which can be employed as catalysts generated in situ during the asymmetric and non-asymmetric reduction of carbonyl or imino compounds with hydrogen gas or by hydrogen transfer to alcohols.

SUMMARY

To achieve the aforementioned objects the inventors have identified, a new class of compounds derived from benzo[h]quinoline, with a —CHR₁—NH₂ group in position 2 represented by the formula (I)

wherein: R₁ can be H, or an aliphatic or aromatic group; R₂, R₃ and R₄ can be equal or different each other and can be hydrogen atoms, aliphatic or aromatic groups, halogen atoms, alkoxo groups, nitro groups, cyano groups.

The ligands of the invention, represented by the formula (Ia) (HCNN) and when deprotonated are represented by the formula (Ib) (CNN)

are a family of ligands for the synthesis of transition metal complexes to be used as catalysts in organic synthesis reactions.

The ligands of the invention with a transition metal, selected from those of group VIII consisting of iron, ruthenium, osmium, have the capability to act as tridentate ligands by coordination to the metal through the nitrogen atom of the pyridine ring and the nitrogen atom of the primary amine group. In particular said ligands with group VIII transition metals selected from iron, ruthenium and osmium give a cyclometalation reaction in position 14 with formation of a metal-carbon σ bond and two 5-membered rings, forming in said manner the complexes represented by the general formula (II)

[MXL_(m) L′]  (II)

corresponding to the structural formula below

wherein: M=a group VIII transition metal selected from iron, ruthenium and osmium; X=a halogen, a hydrogen, an alkoxide (OR); P=phosphorus atoms of a monodentate or bidentate phosphine (L), or an optically active diphosphine (L); and wherein R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ can have the aforementioned meanings, being the residues of the new CNN ligand of formula (Ib).

For the reduction of ketones and aldehydes to alcohols, and also of imines to amines, the preferred transition metals are ruthenium and osmium. Hence the inventors have identified, in a new class of ruthenium(II) and osmium(II) complexes with CNN type ligands in combination with mono or bidentate phosphines, the solution for obtaining, in the presence of bases, catalysts with very high catalytic activity to be used for reduction of carbonyl compounds both in hydrogen transfer reactions in 2-propanol and in hydrogenation reactions with molecular hydrogen, with the possibility of also achieving enantioselective synthesis by suitable combination with chiral phosphines.

It is to be noted that few examples of the utilization of osmium derivatives as catalysts in reduction reactions of carbonyl compounds have been reported, probably because they are more expensive and have in general a lower activity than the corresponding ruthenium derivatives (R. H. Morris in The Handbook of Homogeneous Hydrogenation, 2007, 1, 45-Eds. J. G. de Vries, C. J. Elsevier-Wiley-VCH, Weinheim). The use of more stable osmium derivatives, compared to those of ruthenium, has the advantage of allowing to carried out the reduction at higher temperatures.

The invention therefore relates to ligands of the HCNN/CNN type represented by formulas (Ia) and (Ib)

wherein: R₁ can be H, or an aliphatic or aromatic group; R₂, R₃ and R₄ can be equal or different each other and can be hydrogen atoms, aliphatic or aromatic groups, halogen atoms, alkoxo groups, nitro groups, cyano groups.

The invention also relates to transition metal complexes represented by the general formula (II)

[MXL_(m) L′]  (II)

wherein M, X, L and L′ can be: M, a group VIII transition metal selected from iron, ruthenium and osmium; X, a halogen, a hydrogen, an alkoxide (OR where R can be an aliphatic or aromatic group); L, a ligand selected from the groups comprising: a) a monodentate phosphine of general formula PR¹R²R³ where R¹, R² and R³ can be equal or different each other and can be aliphatic or aromatic groups; b) a bidentate phosphine of PR′₂—Z—PR″₂ type where Z is a hydrocarbon chain, optionally substituted, with preference for diphosphines of PR′₂(CH₂)_(x)PR″₂ type, with x being equal to 2, 3 or 4, where R′ and R″ can be equal or different and can be aliphatic or aromatic groups; c) an optically active diphosphine; and m can be equal to 1 or 2 with the proviso that m is equal to 1 when the ligand L is selected from group b) or c) and is equal to 2 when the ligand L is selected n from group a) and that in this case, the ligands L can be equal or different; L′, a tridentate cyclometalated ligand of CNN type of formula (Ib)

where R₁ can be H, or an aliphatic or an aromatic group and where R₂, R₃ and R₄ can be equal or different each other and can be atoms of hydrogen, aliphatic and aromatic groups, halogen atoms, alkoxo groups, nitro groups, cyano groups.

A further aspect of the invention is the process for preparing the transition metal complexes, also obtainable in situ, and the transition metal complexes obtained directly in situ with said processes during the reduction reaction of ketones or aldehydes with molecular hydrogen or by hydrogen transfer from an alcohol to said ketones or aldehydes.

A further aspect of the invention is the use of said transition metal complexes as catalysts for the reduction reaction of carbonyl or imino compounds with hydrogen gas or by hydrogen transfer.

These and other aspects as well as the characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the detailed description below and by the preferred embodiments given as non-limiting illustrations of the invention itself.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of the invention the inventors have identified, in benzo[h]quinoline derivatives with a —CHR₁—NH₂ group in position 2 represented by the general formula (Ia) and where the benzyl carbon can possibly be a chiral centre, ligands suitable for the synthesis of transition metal complexes to be used as catalysts in reduction reactions of carbonyl compounds by hydrogen transfer or hydrogen gas. Due to their electronic and steric characteristics these ligands are potentially tridentate, being able to coordinate to a metal through the quinolinic nitrogen (sp2) and the primary amine nitrogen (sp3), and also lead to the formation of a metal-carbon σ bond and two 5-membered rings by cyclometalation reactions. As a result of research it has been discovered that complexes of various transition metals can be effectively obtained in which ligands derived from benzo[h]quinoline, in the presence of ancillary phosphine-type ligands, function as cyclometalated tridentates forming stable complexes and have interesting applications as catalysts, in the presence of bases, in reduction reactions of carbonyl or imino compounds.

The invention therefore relates to a new class of benzo[h]quinoline derivatives, with a —CHR₁—NH₂ group in position 2 (HCNN, Ia) which in combination with mono or bidentate phosphines can function as cyclometalated tridentate ligands (CNN, Ib) coordinating to a group VIII transition metal consisting of iron, ruthenium or osmium through the two nitrogen atoms and in position 14 through a metal-carbon σ bond.

In particular the invention relates to a new class of transition metal complexes, of group VIII transition metals selected from iron, ruthenium and osmium, containing the CNN type ligand and phosphines and their use, in the presence of strong bases, as efficient catalysts in catalytic reduction reactions of ketones and aldehydes to alcohols, either by hydrogen transfer or hydrogen gas. When the ligand of benzo[h]quinoline type and/or the phosphines used are optically active, various types of optically active alcohols can be produced starting from carbonyl compounds such as prochiral ketones.

As previously stated the ligands of the invention are a family of benzo[h]quinoline derivatives (HCNN) with a —CHR₁—NH₂ group in position 2

represented by the general formula (Ia) where the benzyl carbon can possibly be a chiral centre, and where R₁ can be H, or aliphatic or aromatic groups and where R₂, R₃ and R₄ can be equal or different and be hydrogen atoms, aliphatic and aromatic groups, halogen atoms, alkoxo groups, nitro groups, cyano groups.

The various types of ligands of the benzo[h]quinoline family (Ia; HCNN) can be prepared either (R1=H) by reduction of the corresponding 2-cyano derivatives or (R1=aliphatic or aromatic group) by reductions of the suitable 2-ketoxime.

In the presence of mono or bidentate phosphines and a base, such as triethylamine, the HCNN ligands (Ia) react with a suitable precursor of a transition metal selected from iron, ruthenium and osmium, preferably ruthenium and osmium, to give complexes in which they function as tridentate cyclometalated CNN (Ib) ligands coordinating to the metal through the quinolinic nitrogen (sp²) and the primary amine nitrogen (sp³), with formation in position 14 of a metal-carbon σ bond and two 5-membered rings with the following structural formula

with P=phosphorus atoms of a monodentate or bidentate phosphine.

The syntheses of three different HCNN type ligands (Ia) are given below by way of non-limiting illustration.

wherein:

R₁═R₂═R₃═R₄═H (1) HCNN—H R₁=Me, R₂═R₃═R₄═H (2) HCNN-Me

R₁═C(Me)₃, R₂═R₃═R₄═H (3) HCNN—^(t)Bu

The coordinating properties of these three ligands are very similar to each other and all easily give cyclometalation reactions with Ru(II) and Os(II), and behave as monoanionic tridentate ligands

For the preparation of the complexes, those metal precursors containing monodentate phosphines of formula MX₂P_(n) (M=Ru, Os; X=Cl, Br; P=PPh₃; n=3,4) are preferably used.

Generally the preparation process of the complexes consists of the reaction, under an inert atmosphere, between the metal precursor, the phosphine ligands and the HCNN ligand in a suitable solvent, being preferably toluene, in the presence of triethylamine, which facilitates cyclometalation.

The complexes of the invention can therefore be of ruthenium(II) and osmium(II) and have the general formula (III) and (IV)

[RuXL_(m)L′]  (III) and

[OsXL_(m)L′]  (IV)

wherein: X, L, L′ can have the previously stated meanings.

The CNN type ligands of the invention are new and, combined with monodentate or bidentate phosphines, afford group VIII transition metals, preferably ruthenium(II) and osmium(II), complexes, which are particularly active catalysts in the reduction carbonyl compounds such as ketones with hydrogen gas in alcohols or by hydrogen transfer using 2-propanol as the hydrogen donor.

For the purposes of the present invention, from the combination of the different meanings of X, L, L′ and m, and when the transition metal is ruthenium, ruthenium(II) complexes of general formulas given below are obtained:

-ruthenium(II) complexes of formula (V)

[RuXL₂L′]  (V)

wherein: X is a halogen, a hydrogen, an alkoxide (OR) L are monodentate phosphines, equal or different, selected from group a); L′ is a tridentate ligand of CNN type of formula (Ib); -ruthenium(II) complexes represented by the formula (VI)

[RuXL₁L′]  (VI)

wherein: X is a halogen, a hydrogen, an alkoxide (OR); L is a bidentate phosphine selected from group b) or an optically active diphosphine selected from group c); L′ is a tridentate ligand of CNN type of formula (Ib).

For the purposes of the present invention the preferred ligand X is chloride or bromide, the preferred ligands L of group a) are PPh₃; of group b) are PPh₂(CH₂)₄PPh₂; of group c) are:

while the preferred meaning of R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ of the L′ ligand of formula (Ib) is H(CNN—H).

When the transition metal is osmium and m is equal to 2, osmium(II) complexes according to the general formula (VII):

[OsXL₂L′]  (VII)

are obtained, wherein: X is a halogen, a hydrogen, an alkoxide (OR); L are monodentate phosphines, equal or different, selected from group a); L′ is a tridentate ligand of CNN type of formula (Ib).

When the transition metal is osmium and m is equal to 1, the complexes can be represented by the formula (VIII)

[OsXL₁L′]  (VIII)

wherein: X is a halogen, a hydrogen, an alkoxide (OR); L is a bidentate phosphine selected from group b) or an optically active diphosphine selected from group c); L′ is a tridentate ligand of CNN type of formula (Ib).

For the purposes of the present invention

-   -   the preferred ligand X is the chloride or bromide;     -   the preferred ligand L of group b) is PPh₂(CH₂)₄PPh₂;     -   the preferred ligands L of group c) are (R,S)-JOSIPHOS,         (S,R)-JOSIPHOS*, (S,S)-SKEWPHOS, (S)-MeO-BIPHEP;         while the preferred meaning of R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ of the ligand         L′ of formula (Ib) is H(CNN—H).

Specific examples of complexes which have been isolated and used in catalysis are given below by way of non-limiting examples of the present invention.

1. Ruthenium complexes of general formula (V)

[RuXL₂L′]  (V)

where L′ is the CNN—H ligand, L is PPh₃ and X═Cl (6),

2. Ruthenium complexes of general formula (VI)

[RuXL₁L′]  (VI)

where L′ is the CNN—H ligand, X═Cl, H, OR and L is the diphosphine PPh₂(CH₂)₄PPh₂

(S)-MeO-BIPHEP  (15)

The synthesis method for the complexes of RuCl[P—P*](CNN—H) type, in which P—P* represents chiral diphosphine, leads to the formation of mixtures of different diasteromers, as shown by the ³¹P NMR spectrum of the products isolated. The diastereomeric mixtures obtained have been used as such in the catalytic tests.

3. Osmium(II) complexes of formula (VIII)

where L′ is the CNN—H ligand, L is the diphosphine PPh₂(CH₂)₄PPh₂ and

X═Cl (7a); X═H (8a); X═O—CH(p-C₆H₄F)₂ (9a). A. Ligand Synthesis

The synthesis path used for the HCNN ligand in the form in which R₁═R₂═R₃═R₄═H is schematically represented in scheme 1

The 2-cyanobenzo[h]quinoline, prepared by the method published by Chelucci et al. (Tetrahedron: Asymmetry 1999, 10, 543) was reduced with hydrogen gas in acetic acid in the presence of 10% Pd on carbon.

The ligands with R₁=Me, CMe₃ in racemic form were prepared by the methods summarized in the following schemes starting from 2-bromobenzo[h]quinoline (scheme 2) which can be obtained from 2-chlorobenzo[h]quinoline prepared by the method of Cappelli et al. (J. Med. Chem. 1998, 41, 728).

These syntheses are given in examples 1-3.

B. Synthesis of Ruthenium Complexes

The synthesis of the complexes (6-15) of the invention involves the compound RuCl₂(PPh₃)₃ (4) as starting product

which is commercially available or can be prepared by reaction between RuCl₃ hydrate and triphenylphosphine (R. Holm, Inorg. Synth. 1970, 12, 238), while the complex RuCl₂[PPh₂(CH₂)₄PPh₂](PPh₃) (5)

was prepared according to the procedure published in the literature (C. W. Jung, P. E. Garrou, P. R. Hoffman, K. G. Caulton, Inorg. Chem. 1984, 23, 726).

The complex (6) was obtained by reacting RuCl₂(PPh₃)₃ (4) with HCNN—H (1) in toluene under reflux in the presence of triethylamine. Following the procedure of (6) the derivative (7) was obtained from reacting (5) with HCNN—H (1), while the complexes (10) and (11) were prepared with HCNN-Me (2) and with HCCN-tBu (3). The catalysts (12-15) were prepared by reacting the chiral phosphine with the complex (4) in toluene under reflux followed by addition of the HCNN—H ligand (1) in the presence of triethylamine. The derivatives (8) and (9) were prepared from (7) by reaction with sodium isopropoxide and adding 4,4′-difluorobenzophenone in the case of (9).

All the operations were carried out under inert gas atmosphere, the solvents used being dried and distilled before use. The syntheses are given in examples 4-13.

C. Synthesis of Osmium Complexes

The synthesis of the complex (7a) of the invention involves the compound OsCl₂(PPh₃)₃ (4a) as the starting product, which can be prepared by reacting [(NH₄)₂OsCl₆] with triphenylphosphine (Elliott, G. P.; McAuley, N. M.; Roper, W. R. Inorg. Synth. 1989, 26, 1849)

while the complex OsCl₂(CNN—H)[PPh₂(CH₂)₄PPh₂] (7a) was prepared by reacting OsCl₂(PPh₃)₃ with phosphine PPh₂(CH₂)₄PPh₂ in methylene chloride and subsequent treatment of the thus obtained product with HCNN—H (1) in toluene under reflux and in the presence of triethylamine.

The derivatives (8a) and (9a) were prepared from (7a) by reaction with sodium isopropoxide and adding 4,4′-difluorobenzophenone in the case of (9a).

The synthesis is given in the examples 14-16.

The syntheses and characterizations of the ruthenium(II) complexes (6-15) and osmium(II) complexes (7a-9a) are given in detail hereinafter. All the syntheses were carried out under argon atmosphere, using distilled or previously deaerated solvents.

The ligands and complexes were characterized by elemental analysis and ¹H NMR, ¹³C{¹H} NMR and ³¹P{¹H} NMR nuclear magnetic resonance measurements. All the complexes with the CNN—R ligands exhibited a characteristic signal for the carbon bonded to the metal at δ=177 to 183 ppm when the metal is ruthenium, and at δ=157 ppm when the metal is osmium.

Example 1 Preparation of the HCNN—H ligand

The compound was obtained from 2-cyanobenzo[h]quinoline prepared by the method given in: Chelucci, G. et al., Tetrahedron: Asymmetry 1999, 10, 543.

1-(Benzo[h]quinolin-2-yl)methanamine. A mixture of 2-cyanobenzo[h]quinoline (2.04 g, 10.0 mmol) and 10% palladium on carbon (0.40 g) in acetic acid (120 ml) was hydrogenated at ambient temperature, in a Parr reactor, with hydrogen gas at a pressure of 2 atm. After 4 hours, during which time absorbance of two hydrogen equivalents was observed, the reaction mixture was filtered and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure. The oily residue was taken up with ethyl ether and the mixture washed with a 10% NaOH solution until an alkaline pH was achieved. The organic phase was then separated and dried over Na₂SO₄. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was purified by flash chromatography using MeOH as eluent. 1.87 g (90% yield) of 1-(benzo[h]quinolin-2-yl)methanamine in the form of a red solid was obtained.

Elemental analysis (%) calculated for C₁₄H₁₂N₂: C, 80.74; H, 5.81; N, 13.45. Found: C, 80.55; H, 5.91; N, 13.66. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 9.58 (d, J=7.4 Hz, 1H; aromatic proton), 8.11-7.71 (m, 7H; aromatic protons), 4.37 (s, 2H; CH₂), 2.90 (s, 2H; NH₂). ¹³C{¹H} NMR (CDCl₃): δ 158.5 (s, NCCH₂; aromatic carbon), 143.9 (s, NCC; aromatic carbon), 134.4-118.2 (m; aromatic carbons), 46.3 (s; CH₂).

The starting product for the synthesis of the two HCNN—R ligands (R=Me, ^(t)Bu) (examples 1 and 2) was the 2-bromobenzo[h]quinoline obtained from 2-chlorobenzo[h]quinoline prepared by the method given by Cappelli, A. et al. J. Med. Chem. 1998, 41, 728.

Example 2 Preparation of the HCNN-Me ligand

The ligand was obtained by reduction with Zn of (benzo[h]quinolin-2-yl)methylketoxime, prepared by reacting 1-(benzo[h]quinolin-2-yl)ethanone with NH₂OH.HCl.

2-Bromobenzo[h]quinoline. A mixture of 2-chlorobenzo[h]quinoline (2.43 g, 11.4 mmol), bromotrimethylsilane (3.00 ml, 22.7 mmol) and propionitrile (12 ml) was heated under reflux for 111 hours. The reaction mixture was then poured into a 10% NaOH solution containing ice. The organic phase was separated and the aqueous phase extracted with Et₂O (3×15 ml). The organic phases were combined, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by chromatography (SiO₂, petroleum ether/acetate=9/1) to give 2-bromobenzo[h]quinoline in the form of a yellow solid: 2.82 g (96% yield); melting point: 113-114° C.

Elemental analysis (%) calculated for C₁₃H₈BrN: C, 60.49; H, 3.12; N, 5.43. Found: C, 60.33; H, 3.25; N, 5.38. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 9.35-9.15 (m, 1H), 7.96 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.92-7.84 (m, 1H), 7.81 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.74-7.67 (m, 2H), 7.61 (dd, J=8.4 Hz, J=1.5 Hz, 2H). ¹³C{¹H} NMR (CDCl₃): δ 147.1, 140.7, 138.0, 133.7, 130.4, 128.7, 128.2, 127.7, 127.3, 126.1, 125.1, 124.7, 124.5.

1-(Benzo[h]quinolin-2-yl)ethanone. A solution of 2-bromobenzo[h]quinoline (1.52 g, 5.89 mmol) in THF (36 ml) was cooled to −78° C. After 10 minutes a solution of 2.5 M n-butyllithium in n-hexane (2.47 ml, 6.18 mmol) was added. The resulting dark red solution was again stirred at −78° C. for 1 hour after which N,N-dimethylacetamide (0.60 ml, 6.45 mmol) was added drop-wise. The solution was stirred for 1 h at −78° C. and allowed to warm slowly to ambient temperature. A solution of 1 M HCl (7.4 ml, 7.4 mmol) was then added, the organic phase was separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with Et₂O (2×15 ml). The organic phases were combined, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (petroleum ether/acetate=95/5) to give 1.00 g (77% yield) of 1-(benzo[h]quinolin-2-yl)ethanone in the form of a yellow solid: mp 113-115° C.

Elemental analysis (%) calculated for C₁₅H₁₁NO: C, 81.43; H, 5.01; N, 6.33. Found: C, 81.43; H, 5.01; N, 6.33. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 9.08 (dd, J=8.1 Hz, J=1.5 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.92 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.80-7.70 (m, 1H), 7.69-7.55 (m, 3H), 7.39 (d, J=9 Hz, 1H), 2.83 (s, 3H). ¹³C{¹H} NMR (CDCl₃): δ 200.2, 151.0, 144.8, 135.9, 133.3, 131.1, 129.5, 128.2, 127.8, 127.6, 127.1, 124.5, 124.1, 118.3, 25.4.

Oxime of 1-(benzo[h]quinolin-2-yl)ethanone. A solution of 1-(benzo[h]quinolin-2-yl)ethanone (2.62 g, 11.84 mmol) and hydroxylamine hydrochloride (1.52 g, 21.87 mmol) in 96% ethanol (100 ml) was stirred at ambient temperature for 30 hours. The reaction was monitored by TLC (SiO₂, petroleum ether/acetate=9/1). Most of the solvent was then evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue taken up with CH₂Cl₂ and a saturated NaHCO₃ solution. The resulting mixture was vigorously stirred for 30 minutes, then the organic phase was separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (2×20 ml). The organic phases were combined, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and the solvent evaporated to give 2.70 g (97% yield) of the oxime of 1-(benzo[h]quinolin-2-yl)ethanone in the form of a yellow solid which was used in the next stage without further purification: melting point 200-202° C.

Elemental analysis (%) calculated for C₁₅H₁₂N₂O: C, 76.25; H, 5.12; N, 11.86. Found: C, 76.44; H, 5.15; N, 11.89.

1-(Benzo[h]quinolin-2-yl)ethanamine. A solution of the oxime of 1-(benzo[h]quinolin-2-yl)ethanone (2.60 g, 11.0 mmol) and ammonium acetate (1.05 g, 13.6 mmol) in a mixture consisting of 30% NH₃/H₂O/96% EtOH (39.5/26.3/26.3 ml) was stirred at ambient temperature for 30 minutes. Zinc in powder form (3.95 g, 60.4 mmol) was then added in small portions (at ambient temperature) over a period of 2 hours, and the resulting mixture was heated under reflux for 3 hours. The grey precipitate formed was filtered off under reduced pressure and the solvent was evaporated to give a residue that was alkalized with 10% NaOH, and extracted with Et₂O (3×30 ml). The organic phases were combined, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography using MeOH as eluent to give 1.88 g (77% yield) of 1-(benzo[h]quinolin-2-yl)ethanamine in the form of an orange coloured oil.

Elemental analysis (%) calculated for C₁₅H₁₄N₂: C, 81.05; H, 6.35; N, 12.60. Found: C, 81.24; H, 6.38; N, 12.58. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 9.36 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 8.08 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.88 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.80-7.59 (m, 4H), 7.47 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 4.37 (q, J=6.6 Hz, 1H), 2.26 (s, 2H), 1.56 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 3H). ¹³C{¹H}NMR (CDCl₃): δ 164.2, 145.5, 136.3, 133.6, 131.3, 127.9, 127.7 127.0, 126.7, 125.1, 124.9, 124.3, 119.0, 52.8, 24.8.

Example 3 Preparation of the HCNN-Bu^(t) ligand

The ligand was obtained by reduction with Zn of (benzo[h]quinolin-2-yl)-t-butyl ketoxime prepared by reacting NH₂OH.HCl with 1-(benzo[h]quinolin-2-yl)-2,2-dimethylpropanone.

1-(Benzo[h]quinolin-2-yl)-2,2-dimethylpropanone. A solution of 2-bromobenzo[h]quinoline (1.52 g, 5.89 mmol) in THF (36 ml) was cooled to −78° C. and after 10 minutes a solution of 2.5 M of n-butyllithium in n-hexane (2.47 ml, 6.18 mmol) was added slowly. The resulting dark red solution was stirred at this temperature for 1 hour and then a solution of 2,2-dimethylpropanonitrile (0.78 ml, 7.04 mmol) in THF (5 ml) was added drop-wise. The solution was stirred for a further hour at −78° C. and finally allowed to warm slowly to ambient temperature. A solution of 1M H₂SO₄ (25 ml, 25 mmol) was then added and the mixture was heated under reflux for 3 hours. After cooling, the organic phase was separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with Et₂O (3×15 ml). The organic phases were combined, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (eluent: petroleum ether/acetate=9/1) to give 1.24 g (80% yield) of 1-(benzo[h]quinolin-2-yl)-2,2-dimethylpropanone in the form of a yellow solid; melting point: 88-90° C.

Elemental analysis (%) calculated for C₁₈H₁₇NO: C, 82.10; H, 6.51; N, 5.32. Found: C, 82.10; H, 6.51; N, 5.32. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 9.20 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 8.13 (s, 2H), 7.84 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.80-7.73 (m, 2H), 7.73-7.62 (m, 1H), 7.56 (d, J=9 Hz, 1H), 1.67 (s, 9H). ¹³C{¹H} NMR (CDCl₃): δ 206.7, 152.1, 144.5, 136.3, 133.7, 131.8, 129.5, 128.4, 127.9, 127.5, 124.9, 124.5, 121.2, 44.3, 28.0.

Oxime of 1-(benzo[h]quinolin-2-yl)-2,2-dimethylpropanone. A solution of 1-(benzo[h]quinolin-2-yl)-2,2-dimethylpropanone (1.30 g, 4.94 mmol) and hydroxylamine hydrochloride (0.63 g, 9.07 mmol) in 96% ethanol (45 ml) was stirred at ambient temperature for 36 hours. The reaction was monitored by TLC (SiO₂; eluent: petroleum ether/acetate=9/1). The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue taken up with CH₂Cl₂ and a saturated NaHCO₃ solution. The resulting mixture was vigorously stirred for 30 minutes, then the organic phase was separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (2×20 ml). The organic phases were combined, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and the solvent evaporated to give 0.69 g (50% yield) of the oxime of 1-(benzo[h]quinolin-2-yl)-2,2-dimethylpropanone in the form of a light brown solid which was used in the next stage without further purification: melting point 234-236° C.

Elemental analysis (%) calculated for C₁₈H₁₈N₂O: C, 77.67; H, 6.52; N, 10.06. Found: C, 77.55; H, 6.55; N, 10.02.

1-(Benzo[h]quinolin-2-yl)-2,2-dimethylpropanamine. A solution of the oxime of 1-(benzo[h]quinolin-2-yl)-2,2-dimethylpropanone (1.30 g, 4.67 mmol) and ammonium acetate (0.447 g, 5.80 mmol) in a mixture consisting of 30% NH₃/H₂O/96% EtOH was stirred at ambient temperature for 30 minutes. Zinc in powder form (1.68 g, 25.7 mmol) was added in small portions (at room temperature) over a period of 2 hours, and the resulting mixture was heated under reflux for 4 hours. After cooling, the mixture was treated with an aqueous solution of 36% HCl up to pH=1 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was treated with an aqueous solution of 50% KOH, and the solution was extracted with Et₂O (4×25 ml). The organic phases were combined, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography using MeOH as eluent to give 1-(benzo[h]quinolin-2-yl)-2,2-dimethylpropanamine in the form of an orange oil: 0.59 g (48% yield).

Elemental analysis (%) calculated for C₁₅H₂₀N₂: C, 81.78; H, 7.63; N, 10.60. Found: C, 81.66; H, 7.67; N, 10.63. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 9.31 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.98 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.84 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.76-7.55 (m, 4H), 7.34 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 3.88 (s, 1H), 2.65 (s, 2H), 0.99 (s, 9H). ¹³C{¹H} NMR (CDCl₃): δ 161.1, 145.1, 134.8, 133.4, 131.4, 127.8, 127.5, 126.8, 126.6, 125.0, 124.8, 124.3, 122.2, 65.8, 35.5, 26.5.

Example 4 Synthesis of the complex [RuCl(PPh₃)₂(CNN—H)](6)

The complex RuCl₂(PPh₃)₃ (4) (0.150 g, 0.156 mmol) suspended in 2 ml of distilled toluene, was reacted with HCNN—H (1) (36 mg, 0.174 mmol) and triethylamine (0.22 ml, 0.158 mmol). After stirring the mixture for 2 hours at 110° C. the solution volume was reduced to about half and the complex was precipitated by adding 2 ml of pentane. The solid obtained was filtered off, washed with pentane (3×5 ml) and dried under reduced pressure. Yield 100 mg (74%).

Elemental analysis (%) calculated for C₅₀H₄₁ClN₂P₂Ru. C, 69.16; H, 4.76; N, 3.23. Found: C, 69.35; H, 4.85; N, 3.34. ³¹P{¹H} NMR (81.0 MHz, CD₂Cl₂, 20° C., H₃PO₄): δ5 56.5 (d, J(PP)=33.4 Hz), 50.5 (d, J(PP)=33.4 Hz).

Example 5 Synthesis of the complex RuCl[PPh₂(CH₂)₄PPh₂](CNN—H) (7)

The complex RuCl₂(PPh₃)[PPh₂(CH₂)₄PPh₂] (5) (800 mg, 0.929 mmol) was added to a solution of the HCNN—H (1) ligand (232 mg, 1.11 mmol) and triethylamine (1.55 ml, 11.1 mmol) in 2-propanol (15 ml). The mixture was refluxed for 2 hours and the orange precipitate obtained was filtered off, washed with methanol (3×10 ml) and dried under reduced pressure. Yield 608 mg (85%).

Elemental analysis (%) calculated for C₄₂H₃₉ClN₂P₂Ru: C, 65.49; H, 5.10; N, 3.64. Found: C, 65.18; H, 5.23; N, 3.47. ¹H NMR (200.1 MHz, CD₂Cl₂, 20° C., TMS): δ 8.19 (pseudo t, J(HH)=7.6 Hz, 2H; aromatic protons), 7.99 (d, J(HH)=7.0 Hz, 1H; aromatic proton), 7.82 (pseudo t, J(HH)=8.0 Hz, 2H; aromatic protons), 7.64 (d, J(HH)=8.5 Hz, 2H; aromatic protons), 7.52-7.20 (m, 14H; aromatic protons), 6.98 (d, J(HH)=8.2 Hz, 1H; aromatic proton), 6.45 (t, J(HH)=7.3 Hz, 1H; aromatic proton), 6.16 (pseudo t, J(HH)=7.8 Hz, 2H; aromatic protons), 5.47 (t, J(HH)=8.1 Hz, 2H; aromatic protons), 4.37 (dd, J(HH)=16.3, 5.4 Hz, 1H; CH₂N), 3.96 (ddd, J(HH)=16.4, 11.0, 5.0 Hz, 1H; CH₂N), 3.60 (m, 1H; NH₂), 3.01 (m, 2H; CH₂), 2.35-1.00 (m, 7H; CH₂+NH₂). ¹³C{¹H} NMR (50.3 MHz, CDCl₃, 20° C., TMS): δ 177.0 (dd; J(CP)=16.6, 8.3 Hz; CRu), 154.3 (s; NCC), 152.3 (d, J(CP)=1.0 Hz; NCCH₂), 146.2-115.5 (m; aromatic carbons), 52.2 (d, J(CP)=2.8 Hz; CH₂N), 33.1 (dd, J(CP)=24.8, 1.8 Hz; CH₂), 29.9 (d, J(CP)=31.9 Hz; CH₂), 26.5 (d, J(CP)=1.3 Hz; CH₂), 21.5 (dd, J(CP)=2.5, 2.0 Hz; CH₂). ³¹P{¹H} NMR (81.0 MHz, CD₂Cl₂, 20° C., H₃PO₄): δ 57.3 (d, J(PP)=38.2 Hz), 43.7 (d, J(PP)=38.2 Hz).

Example 6 Synthesis of the complex RuH[PPh₂(CH₂)₄PPh₂](CNN—H (8)

The complex RuCl[PPh₂(CH₂)₄PPh₂](CNN—H) (7) (150 mg, 0.195 mmol) was suspended in toluene (2.9 ml) and a solution of 0.1 M NaO^(i)Pr (2.9 ml, 0.202 mmol) in 2-propanol was added. The mixture was stirred at 60° C. for 1 h. The resulting dark red solution was concentrated to half volume, stirred at RT for 1 h and after addition of toluene (3 mL), kept at −20° C. for 18 h to afford the precipitation of NaCl, which was filtered on celite (fine frit). The solution was stirred under H₂ (1 atm) at RT for 1 h, and the solvent was eliminated obtaining a bright orange product, which was dried under reduced pressure. Yield 119 mg (83%).

Elemental analysis (%) calculated for C₄₂H₄₀N₂P₂Ru: C, 68.56; H, 5.48; N, 3.81. Found: C, 68.20; H, 5.44; N, 3.45. ¹H NMR (200.1 MHz, C₆D₆, 20° C., TMS): δ 8.58 (t, J(HH)=8.2 Hz, 2H; aromatic protons), 8.40-6.80 (m, 18H; aromatic protons), 6.37 (d, J(HH)=6.8 Hz, 1H; aromatic proton), 6.27 (d, J(HH)=7.7 Hz, 2H; aromatic protons), 6.14 (m, 2H; aromatic protons), 5.50 (t, J(HH)=6.5 Hz, 2H; aromatic protons), 3.20-1.45 (m, 12H; CH₂, NH₂), -5.40 (dd, J(HP)=90.0, 26.2 Hz, 1H; Ru—H). ³¹P{¹H} NMR (81.0 MHz, C₆D₆, 20° C., H₃PO₄): δ 66.6 (d, J(PP)=16.7 Hz), 35.0 (d, J(PP)=16.7 Hz). IR (Nujol) v{tilde over ( )}=1741.6 cm⁻¹ (br. Ru—H).

Example 7 Synthesis of the complex Ru[O—CH(p-C₆H₄F)₂][PPh₂(CH₂)₄]PPh₂(CNN—H) (9)

The complex RuCl[PPh₂(CH₂)₄PPh₂](CNN—H) (7) (200 mg, 0.260 mmol) was suspended in toluene (3.9 ml) and a solution of 0.1 M NaO^(i)Pr (3.9 ml, 0.390 mmol) in 2-propanol was added. The suspension was stirred at 60° C. for 2 hours. The dark red mixture obtained was stirred at ambient temperature for 1 hour, then cooled to −20° C. for 24 hours, to promote precipitation of NaCl which was removed by filtration through celite (fine frit). 4,4′-difluorobenzophenone (68.0 mg, 0.312 mmol) was added to the solution, which was then stirred for 30 minutes at ambient temperature. The solvent was removed by evaporation at reduced pressure and the residue was treated with toluene (2 ml). The mixture was kept at −20° C. for 2 hours, filtered through celite (fine frit) and the filtrate was concentrated to about 1 ml. Addition of pentane led to the precipitation of an orange-red product which was recovered by filtration and dried under reduced pressure. Yield 186 mg (75%).

Elemental analysis (%) calculated for C₅₅H₄₈F₂N₂OP₂Ru: C, 69.24; H, 5.07; N, 2.94. Found: C, 69.16; H, 5.29; N, 2.93. ¹H NMR (200.1 MHz, C₆D₆, 20° C., TMS): δ 8.15 (m, 2H; aromatic protons), 8.03 (t, J(HH)=7.60 Hz, 2H; aromatic protons), 7.66-6.25 (m, 26H; aromatic protons), 6.02 (t, J(HH)=7.8 Hz, 2H; aromatic protons), 5.86 (d, J(HH)=8.0 Hz, 1H; aromatic proton), 5.41 (t, J(HH)=8.2 Hz, 2H; aromatic protons), 5.28 (broad s, 1H; NH₂), 4.46 (d, J(HP)=3.3 Hz, 1H; OCH), 3.24-2.65 (m, 4H; CH₂, NH₂), 2.35-0.80 (m, 7H; CH₂, NH₂). ¹³C{¹H} NMR (50.3 MHz, C₆D₆, 20° C., TMS): δ 183.4 (dd; J(CP)=15.0, 8.5 Hz, CRu), 161.1 (d, J(CF)=240.6 Hz; C—F), 160.6 (d, J(CF)=240.2 Hz; C—F), 156.0-113.4 (m; aromatic carbons), 79.9 (s, OCH), 52.0 (d, J(CP)=2.5 Hz; CH₂N), 31.3 (d, J(CP)=28.3 Hz; CH₂P), 30.7 (d, J(CP)=29.5 Hz; CH₂P), 26.8 (s; CH₂), 22.3 (d, J(CP)=2.3 Hz; CH₂). ³¹P{¹H} NMR (81.0 MHz, C₆D₆, 20° C., H₃PO₄): δ 57.0 (d, J(PP)=34.3 Hz), 40.3 (d, J(PP)=34.3 Hz). ¹⁹F {¹H} NMR (188.3 MHz, C₆D₆, 20° C.): 5-20′ 119.6, −120.3.

Example 8 Synthesis of the complex RuCl[PPh₂(CH₂)₄PPh₂](CNN-Me) (10)

The complex RuCl₂[PPh₂(CH₂)₄PPh₂](PPh₃) (5) (0.100 g, 0.116 mmol), HCNN-Me (2) (39 mg, 0.175 mmol) and triethylamine (0.16 ml, 1.15 mmol) in 2 ml of 2-propanol were heated under reflux for 3 hours. The precipitate obtained by addition of pentane was filtered off, and washed with pentane (4×3 ml). The solid was suspended in dichloromethane (0.5 ml) and kept at −20° C. overnight. After filtration, the volume of the solution was reduced to one half and pentane (2 ml) was added. The precipitate obtained was filtered off, washed with 2 ml of pentate and dried under reduced pressure. Yield: 60 mg (66%).

Elemental analysis (%) calculated for C₄₃H₄₁ClN₂P₂Ru: C, 65.85; H, 5.27; N, 3.57; Found C, 66.10; H, 5.40; N, 3.74. ¹H NMR (200.1 MHz, CD₂Cl₂, 20° C., TMS): δ 8.18 (pseudo t, J(HH)=8.0 Hz, 2H; aromatic protons), 8.01 (d, J(HH)=7.0 Hz, 1H; aromatic proton), 7.82 (pseudo t, J(HH)=8.4 Hz, 2H; aromatic protons), 7.68 (d, J(HH)=5.4 Hz, 1H; aromatic proton), 7.65 (d, J(HH)=6.0 Hz, 1H; aromatic proton), 7.49-7.22 (m, 14H; aromatic protons), 6.98 (d, J(HH)=8.4 Hz, 1H; aromatic proton), 6.45 (t, J(HH)=7.4 Hz, 1H; aromatic proton), 6.16 (pseudo t, J(HH)=8.2 Hz, 2H; aromatic protons), 5.45 (t, J(HH)=8.4 Hz, 2H; aromatic protons), 4.37 (m, 1H; CHMeN), 3.55 (t, J(HH)=11.4 Hz, 1H; NH₂), 3.20-2.85 (m, 3H; CH₂), 2.40-1.70 (m, 6H; CH₂+NH₂), 1.58 (d, J(HH)=6.7 Hz, 3H; CMe). ¹³C{¹H} NMR (50.3 MHz, CD₂Cl₂, 20° C.): δ 179.1 (dd, J(CP)=16.3, 8.4 Hz; CRu), 157.8-116.5 (m; aromatic carbons), 58.5 (d, J(CP)=2.6 Hz; CHN), 33.3 (dd, J(CP)=24.9, 2.2 Hz; CH₂P), 30.5 (d, J(CP)=32.1 Hz; CH₂P), 26.8 (d, (CP)=2.0 Hz; CH₂), 23.4 (s; Me), 22.0 (m, Hz; CH₂). ³¹P{¹H} NMR (81.0 MHz, CD₂Cl₂, 20° C., H₃PO₄): δ 57.3 (d, J(PP)=38.3 Hz), 43.6 (d, J(PP)=38.3 Hz).

Example 9 Synthesis of the complex RuCl[PPh₂(CH₂)₄PPh₂](CNN—^(t)Bu) (11)

The complex RuCl₂[PPh₂(CH₂)₄PPh₂](PPh₃) (5) (0.100 g, 0.116 mmol), HCNN—^(r)Bu (3) (46 mg, 0.174 mmol) and triethylamine (0.16 ml, 1.15 mmol) were added to 2 ml of 2-propanol and refluxed for 5 hours. The solution was then concentrated and the precipitate obtained by addition of pentane was filtered off, washed with pentane (4×3 ml) and dried under reduced pressure. The solid was suspended in dichloromethane (0.5 ml) and kept overnight at −20° C. After filtration, the volume of the solution was reduced to one half and pentane (2 ml) was added. The precipitate was filtered off, washed with 2 ml of pentane and dried under reduced pressure. Yield: 50 mg (52%).

Elemental analysis (%) calculated for C₄₆H₄₇ClN₂P₂Ru: C, 66.86; H, 5.73; N, 3.39; Found C, 67.10; H, 5.70; N, 3.19. ¹H NMR (200.1 MHz, CD₂Cl₂, 20° C., TMS): δ 8.08 (pseudo t, J(HH)=9.5 Hz, 2H; aromatic protons), 7.98 (d, J(HH)=6.9 Hz, 1H; aromatic proton), 7.71 (pseudo t, J(HH)=8.4 Hz, 2H; aromatic protons), 7.53 (d, J(HH)=8.7 Hz, 1H; aromatic proton), 7.51 (d, J(HH)=8.5 Hz, 1H; aromatic proton), 7.39-7.19 (m, 14H; aromatic protons), 7.11 (d, J(HH)=8.8 Hz, 1H; aromatic proton), 6.33 (pseudo t, J(HH)=8.0 Hz, 1H; aromatic proton), 6.03 (pseudo t, J(HH)=8.0 Hz, 2H; aromatic protons), 5.32 (t, J(HH)=8.4 Hz, 2H; aromatic protons), 3.60-3.36 (m, 2H; CH^(t)BuN+NH₂), 3.09-2.84 (m, 3H; CH₂), 2.24-1.40 (m, 6H; CH₂+NH₂), 0.91 (s, 9H; ^(t)Bu). ¹³C{¹H} NMR (50.3 MHz, CD₂Cl₂, 20° C.): δ 180.3 (dd, J(CP)=16.7, 8.1 Hz; CRu), 155.5-118.8 (m; aromatic carbons), 72.9 (s; d, J(CP)=2.9 Hz; CHN), 35.3 (s; CMe₃), 33.4 (dd, J(CP)=24.7, 1.9 Hz; CH₂P), 30.4 (d, (CP)=32.2 Hz; CH₂P), 27.5 (s; Me), 27.0 (d, J(CP)=1.7 Hz; CH₂), 21.8 (d, J(CP)=3.1 Hz; CH₂). ³¹P{¹H} NMR (81.0 MHz, CD₂Cl₂, 20° C., H₃PO₄): δ 57.1 (d, J(PP)=38.6 Hz), 44.5 (d, J(PP)=38.6 Hz).

Example 10 Synthesis of the complex RuCl[R,S)-Josiphos](CNN—H)) (12)

Toluene (2 ml) was added to [RuCl₂(PPh₃)₃] (4) (0.150 g, 0.156 mmol) and (R,S)-Josiphos.C₂H₅OH (120 mg, 0.187 mmol) and the suspension was refluxed for 1 h. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was treated with 2-propanol (2 ml), the ligand HCNN—H (1) (36 mg, 0.172 mmol) and NEt₃ (0.22 ml, 1.58 mmol). The mixture was refluxed for 2 h and then cooled to room temperature. Addition of pentane (5 ml) afforded a precipitate which was filtered, washed with pentane (4×3 ml) and dried under reduced pressure. The solid was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (0.5 ml), kept at −20° C. for 18 h, to afford the precipitation of triethylammonium chloride which was eliminated by filtration. The solution was concentrated (1 ml) and addition of pentane (2 ml) afforded an orange precipitate which was filtered, washed with pentane (2×2 ml) and dried under reduced pressure. Yield: 90 mg (61%).

Elemental analysis (%) calculated for C₅₀H₅₅ClFeN₂P₂Ru: C, 64.00; H, 5.91; N, 2.99; Found C, 64.30; H, 6.02; N, 3.05. ¹H NMR (200.1 MHz, CD₂Cl₂, 20° C., TMS): δ 8.33 (d, J(HH)=7.0 Hz, 1H; aromatic proton), 8.22-7.16 (m, 16H; aromatic protons), 4.70-4.35 (m, 4H; FeCH+CHP), 4.24-4.10 (m, 2H; CH₂N), 3.79 (s, 5H; C₅H₅), 3.45 (m, 1H; NH₂), 2.95-0.60 (m, 26H; CH+CH₂+CH₃+NH₂). ¹³C{¹H} NMR (50.3 MHz, CD₂Cl₂, 20° C.): δ 158.0-117.0 (m; aromatic carbons), 74.4 (s; FeC₅H₃), 70.8 (s; FeC₅H₅), 70.3 (d, J(CP)=4.3 Hz; FeC₅H₃), 68.9 (d, J(CP)=4.8 Hz; FeC₅H₃), 53.0 (d, J(CP)=1.8 Hz; CHNH₂) 40.4 (d, J(CP)=15.8 Hz; CH of Cy), 38.0 (d, J(CP)=17.5 Hz; CH of Cy), 31.8-23.1 (m; CH₂ of Cy), 29.6 (d, J(CP)=3.5 Hz; PCMe), 15.9 (d, J(CP)=6.8 Hz; PCMe). ³¹P{¹H} NMR (81.0 MHz, CDCl₃, 20° C., H₃PO₄): δ 68.8 (d, J(PP)=42.0 Hz), 43.4 (d, J(PP)=42.0 Hz).

Example 11 Synthesis of the complex RuCl[(S,R)-Josiphos*](CNN—H) (13) (mixture of three diastereomers in a 1:0.06:0.20 ratio)

The complex RuCl₂(PPh₃)₃ (4) (0.150 g, 0.156 mmol) was reacted for one hour with (S,R)-Josiphos* (133 mg, 0.187 mmol) in 2 ml of dichloromethane. The solvent was then eliminated and HCNN—H (1) (36 mg, 0.172 mmol), triethylamine (0.22 ml, 1.58 mmol) and 2 ml of an 2-propanol/heptane (1:1) mixture were added. The mixture obtained was refluxed (110° C.) overnight. The solid that formed (NEt₃HCl) was filtered off, the solvent was eliminated, heptane (2 ml) was added and the solution obtained was maintained under reflux for 2 hours. The solution volume was then reduced to one half and 1 ml of pentane was added. The precipitate was filtered off, washed with (3×2 ml) pentane and dried under reduced pressure. The solid was suspended in dichloromethane (0.5 ml) and kept at −20° C. overnight. After filtration, the solution volume was reduced to one half and pentane was added (2 ml). The precipitate was filtered off, washed with pentane (2×2 ml) and dried under reduced pressure. Yield: 90 mg (55%).

Elemental analysis (%) calculated for C₅₆H₆₇ClFeN₂O₂P₂Ru: C, 63.79; H, 6.40; N, 2.66; Found C, 64.02; H, 6.60; N, 2.86. ³¹P{¹H} NMR (81.0 MHz, CD₂Cl₂, 20° C., H₃PO₄): δ 67.3 (d, J(PP)=41.9 Hz), 38.5 (d, J(PP)=41.9 Hz) principal product; 60.1 (d, J(PP)=40.0 Hz), 40.9 (d, J(PP)=40.0 Hz); 64.4 (d, J(PP)=34.5 Hz), 56.1 (d, J(PP)=34.5 Hz) minor product.

Example 12 Synthesis of the complex RuCl[(S,S)-(−)-Skewphos](CNN) (14) (mixture of two diastereomers in a 1:0.23 ratio)

The complex RuCl₂(PPh₃)₃ (4) (0.150 g, 0.156 mmol) was reacted with (S,S)-(−)-Skewphos (89 mg, 0.202 mmol) in 3 ml of toluene. The suspension was refluxed for 2 hours, toluene was evaporated, and HCNN—H (1) (36 mg, 0.172 mmol), triethylamine (0.22 ml, 1.58 mmol) and 2-propanol (2 ml) were added. The mixture was then heated again under reflux (110° C.) for 2 hours. The precipitate obtained by addition of pentane was filtered off, and washed with pentane (3×3 ml). The solid was suspended in dichloromethane (0.5 ml) and kept at −20° C. overnight. After filtration, the solution volume was reduced to one half and pentane was added (2 ml). The precipitate was filtered off, washed with pentane (1×2 ml) and dried under reduced pressure. Yield 70 mg (57%).

Elemental analysis (%) calculated for C₄₃H₄₁ClN₂P₂Ru: C, 65.85; H, 5.27; N, 3.57; Found C, 66.06; H, 5.37; N, 3.63. ¹H NMR (200.1 MHz, CD₂Cl₂, 20° C., TMS): δ 8.31-5.80 (m, 27H; aromatic protons), 4.42 (s), 4.20 (d, J(HH)=3.4 Hz), 3.68 (s broad), 3.37 (m), 3.03 (m), 2.78 (s broad), 2.36 (q, J(HH)=13.5 Hz), 2.00-1.40 (m), 1.35 (t, J(HH)=7.4 Hz), 1.29 (dd, J(HP), J(HH)=14.5, 7.3 Hz), 0.91 (m broad), 0.76 (s broad), 0.55 (dd, J(HP), J(HH)=6.9, 11.4 Hz). ¹³C{¹H} NMR (50.3 MHz, CD₂Cl₂, 20° C.): δ 178.5 (m; CRu), 159.3-116.2 (m; aromatic carbons), 51.3 (d, J(CP)=1.5 Hz; CH₂N), 37.9 (m; CH₂), 33.0 (m; PCH), 32.6 (m; PCH), 20.1 (s; CH₃), 19.5 (d, J(CP)=6.1 Hz; CHCH₃) 17.5 (d, J(CP)=6.5 Hz; CHCH₃). ³¹P{¹H}NMR (81.0 MHz, CD₂Cl₂, 20° C., H₃PO₄): δ 66.2 (d, J(PP)=46.1 Hz), 47.8 (d, J(PP)=46.2 Hz), principal product; 64.4 (d, J(PP)=48.7 Hz), 53.3 (d, J(PP)=48.7 Hz).

Example 13 Synthesis of the complex RuCl[(S)-MeO-Biphep](CNN—H) (15) (mixture of two diastereomers in a 1:0.18 ratio)

The complex RuCl₂(PPh₃)₃ (4) (0.150 g, 0.156 mmol), and S-MeO-Biphep (136 mg, 0.233 mmol) were refluxed for 1 hour in 2 ml of toluene, after which the toluene was evaporated and HCNN—H (1) (36 mg, 0.172 mmol), triethylamine (0.22 ml, 1.58 mmol) and 2-propanol (2 ml) were added. The mixture was then heated refluxed (110° C.) for 2 hours. The precipitate obtained by addition of pentane was filtered off and washed with pentane (4×3 ml). The solid was suspended in dichloromethane (0.5 ml) and kept at −20° C. overnight. After filtration, the solution volume was reduced to one half and pentane was added (2 ml). The precipitate was filtered off, washed with pentane (2×2 ml) and dried under reduced pressure. Yield: 95 mg (66%).

Elemental analysis (%) calculated for C₅₂H₄₃ClN₂O₂P₂Ru: C, 67.42; H, 4.68; N, 3.02; Found C, 67.93; H, 4.80; 3.12; ¹H NMR (200.1 MHz, CDCl₃, 20° C., TMS): δ 8.45 (d, J(HH)=7.0 Hz), 8.07-5.52 (m; aromatic protons), 4.43 (dd, J(HH)=15.8, 5.4 Hz; CH₂), 4.25 (m), 3.88 (s; OMe), 3.74 (s; OMe), 3.39 (s; OMe), 3.28 (s; OMe), 2.05 (t, J(HH)=7.3 Hz; NH₂). ¹³C{¹H} NMR (50.3 MHz, CDCl₃, 20° C., TMS): δ 177.8 (m; CRu), 164.8-110.6 (m; aromatic carbons), 55.8 (s, OCH₃), 55.7 (s, OCH₃), 54.9 (s, OCH₃), 54.6 (s, OCH₃), 52.2 (d, J(CP)=1.7 Hz; CH₂). ³¹P{¹H}NMR (81.0 MHz, CD₂Cl₂, 20° C., H₃PO₄): δ 50.3 (d, J(PP)=35.5 Hz), 49.8 (d, J(PP)=35.5 Hz), principal product; 60.3 (d, J(PP)=40.5 Hz), 51.9 (d, J(PP)=40.5 Hz).

Example 14 Synthesis of the complex OsCl[PPh₂(CH₂)₄PPh₂](CNN—H) (7a)

The complex OsCl₂(PPh₃)₃ (4a) (200 mg, 0.191 mmol) and bis(1,4-diphenylphosphino)butane (98 mg, 0.230 mmol) were dissolved in anhydrous CH₂Cl₂ (5 ml), to obtain a green solution which was stirred at ambient temperature for 2 hours. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue suspended in 2-propanol (5 ml), to which the HCNN—H ligand (1) (48 mg, 0.230 mol) and triethylamine (0.32 ml, 2.30 mmol) were added. The mixture was then refluxed for 3 hours, to obtain a red precipitate which was filtered off, washed with 2-propanol (3×10 ml) and pentane (2×10 ml). The product was dried under reduced pressure at 45° C. overnight. Yield 144 mg (88%).

Elemental analysis (%) calculated for C₄₂H₃₉ClN₂OsP₂: C, 58.70; H, 4.57; N, 3.26. Found: C, 58.42; H, 4.74; N, 3.27. ¹H NMR (200.1 MHz, CD₂Cl₂, 20° C., TMS): δ 8.13 (pseudo t, J(HH)=7.5 Hz, 2H; aromatic protons), 7.93 (d, J(HH)=6.9 Hz, 1H; aromatic proton), 7.76 (t, J(HH)=7.5 Hz, 2H; aromatic protons), 7.64-7.20 (m, 16H; aromatic protons), 6.98 (d, J(HH)=8.1 Hz, 1H; aromatic proton), 6.44 (t, J(HH)=7.3 Hz, 1H; aromatic proton), 6.17 (pseudo t, J(HH)=7.8 Hz, 2H; aromatic protons), 5.49 (t, J(HH)=7.9 Hz, 2H; aromatic protons), 4.50 (d, J(HH)=20.7 Hz, 1H; CH₂NH₂), 4.00 (m, 2H; NH₂, CH₂NH₂), 3.53 (m, 1H; CH₂), 3.30-2.65 (m, 2H; CH₂, NH₂), 2.42-1.48 (m, 6H; CH₂). ¹³C{¹H} NMR (50.3 MHz, CD₂Cl₂, 20° C., TMS): δ 157.2 (t; J(CP)=6.5 Hz; C—Os), 155.6 (s; NCC), 154.5 (s; NCCH₂), 147.7-115.8 (m; aromatic carbons), 54.6 (s; CH₂N), 35.2 (dd, J(CP)=36.5, 4.3 Hz; CH₂), 30.2 (dd, J(CP)=42.2, 5.2 Hz; CH₂), 26.7 (s; CH₂), 21.2 (t, J(CP)=2.0 Hz; CH₂). ³¹P{¹H} NMR (81.0 MHz, CD₂Cl₂, 20° C., H₃PO₄): δ 0.9 (d, J(PP)=13.7 Hz), 0.8 (d, J(PP)=13.7 Hz).

Example 15 Synthesis of the complex OsH[PPh₂(CH₂)₄PPh₂](CNN—H) (8a)

A 0.1 M solution of NaOiPr (1.3 ml, 0.130 mmol) in 2-propanol was added to a suspension of complex of example 14 (7a) (100 mg, 0.116 mmol) in toluene (1.3 ml) and the mixture was stirred at 35° C. for 3 h. The resulting dark red solution was kept at −20° C. for 4 h to afford the precipitation of NaCl, which was filtered on celite (fine frit). The solvent was eliminated at low pressure and the solid was extracted with pentane (1 ml), affording a brown product which was dried under reduced pressure. Yield: 71 mg (74%).

Elemental analysis (%) calculated for C₄₂H₄₀N₂OsP₂: C, 61.15; H, 4.89; N, 3.40; found: C, 60.85; H, 5.02; N, 3.13. ¹H NMR (200.1 MHz, C₆D₆, 20° C.): δ=8.53 (t, J(H,H)=8.5 Hz, 2H; aromatic protons), 8.31 (d, J(H,H)=7.9 Hz, 1H; aromatic proton), 8.05-6.62 (m, 18H; aromatic protons), 6.40 (t, J(H,H)=8.2 Hz, 1H; aromatic proton), 6.25-6.05 (m, 3H; aromatic protons), 5.49 (t, J(H,H)=7.6 Hz, 2H; aromatic protons), 4.0 (t, J(H,H)=6.9 Hz, 1H; NCH₂), 3.66-0.70 (m, 11H; CH₂, NH₂), -5.14 ppm (dd, ²J(H,P)=73.9, 23.9 Hz, 1H; OsH); ³¹P{H} NMR (81.0 MHz, C₆D₆, 20° C.): δ=19.9 (d, ²J(P,P)=3.7 Hz), 5.4 ppm (d, ²J(P,P)=3.7 Hz).

Example 16 Synthesis of the complex Os[O—CH(p-C₆H₄F)₂][PPh₂CH)₄PPh₂](CNN—H) (9a)

A 0.1 M solution of NaOiPr (1.6 ml, 0.160 mmol) in 2-propanol was added to a suspension of complex of example 14 (7a) (123 mg, 0.143 mmol) in toluene (1.6 ml) and the mixture was stirred at 35° C. for 3 h. The resulting dark red solution was kept at −20° C. for 4 h to afford the precipitation of NaCl, which was filtered on celite (fine frit). 4,4′-difluorobenzophenone (35 mg, 0.160 mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred at RT for 1 h. The solvent was eliminated, toluene (2 ml) was added and the mixture was kept at −20° C. for 2 h, filtered on celite and the solution was concentrated. Addition of pentane (5 ml) afforded the precipitation of a dark-yellow product which was filtered and dried under reduced pressure. Yield: 107 mg (72%).

Elemental analysis (%) calculated for C₅₅H₄₈F₂N₂OOsP₂: C, 63.33; H, 4.64; N, 2.69; found: C, 62.84; H, 4.72; N, 2.62. ¹H NMR (200.1 MHz, C₆D₆, 20° C.): δ=8.18 (t, J(H,H)=7.5 Hz, 1H; aromatic proton), 8.07 (d, J(H,H)=8.3 Hz, 1H; aromatic proton), 7.93 (t, J(H,H)=7.6 Hz, 2H; aromatic protons), 7.66-6.21 (m, 26H; aromatic protons), 6.04 (dt, J(H,H)=7.6, 1.8 Hz, 2H; aromatic protons), 5.83 (d, J(H,H)=8.2 Hz, 1H; aromatic proton), 5.42 (t, J(H,H)=7.9 Hz, 2H; aromatic protons), 5.28 (broad s, 1H; NH₂), 4.61 (m, 1H; OCH), 3.48 (m, 1H; NCH₂), 3.26 (s, 2H; CH₂ and NH₂), 2.91 (pseudo t, J(H,H)=13.2 Hz, 1H; NCH₂), 2.42 (m, 1H; CH₂), 2.25 (m, 2H; CH₂), 1.94-0.77 ppm (m, 4H; CH₂); ¹³C{¹H} NMR (50.3 MHz, C₆D₆, 20° C.): δ=162.4 (broad d, 1J(C,F)=245 Hz; C—F), 162.0 (dd, 2J(C,P)=7.9, 3.7 Hz; C—Os), 156.4 (s; CCN), 155.1 (s; NCCH₂), 147.9-113.0 (m; aromatic carbon atoms), 79.7 (broad s; OCH), 54.0 (d, ³J(C,P)=2.2 Hz; NCH₂), 33.7 (d, ²J(C,P)=33.2 Hz; PCH₂), 30.8 (d, ²J(C,P)=34.4 Hz; PCH₂), 26.7 (s; CH₂), 21.6 ppm (s; CH₂); ³¹P{¹H} NMR (81.0 MHz, C₆D₆, 20° C.): δ=1.8 (d, ²J(P,P)=8.2 Hz), −0.8 ppm (d, ²J(P,P)=8.2 Hz); ¹⁹F{¹H} NMR (188.3 MHz, C₆D₆, 20° C.): δ=−119.4, −120.1 ppm.

B. Catalytic tests

The ruthenium(II) and osmium(II) complexes of the present invention can be used to prepare alcohols from the corresponding ketones, by hydrogen transfer and hydrogenation reactions. In the presence of the new ruthenium and osmium based catalysts and an alkali metal alkoxides, different alcohols can be obtained by reduction of cyclic ketones, linear dialkyl ketones, alkyl aryl ketones and diaryl ketones R⁶C(═O)R⁷ where R⁶ and R⁷ represent a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic group, or an aromatic hydrocarbon group, which can either have or not have substituent alkyl groups, substituent groups containing oxygen, halogen atoms, or a heterocyclic group.

The reduction reactions by hydrogen transfer were carried out in 2-propanol under reflux with a substrate/catalyst ratio comprised between 1 000 and 100 000 and in the presence of an alkali metal alkoxide at 2 mol % relative to the substrate. It should be noted that the acetone that forms by oxidation of the 2-propanol can be separated from the reaction mixture, by exploiting its lower boiling point relative to 2-propanol. Catalytic tests carried out at 40° C. for ruthenium complexes and at 70° C. for osmium complexes under hydrogen atmosphere at low pressure (4-5 atm) and in methanol are also provided, from which it is seen that under such conditions there is complete conversion of ketone to alcohol, thus demonstrating that these complexes are also active in hydrogenation reactions with molecular hydrogen.

B1. Catalytic Tests of Hydrogen Transfer and Hydrogenation with Non-Chiral Catalysts

B1.1 Reduction of Ketones and Aldehydes by Hydrogen Transfer

All the Procedures were Carried Out Under Argon Atmosphere Using Previously Deaerated and Distilled 2-Propanol.

Example 17 Catalytic Reduction of Acetophenone in the Presence of Ruthenium(II) Complexes

The acetophenone reduction process catalysed by the complex (7) is described. The same method was used with the complexes (6)-(9)-(10)-(11), the results being shown in table 1.

a) reduction of acetophenone catalysed by the complex (7)

The catalyst solution was prepared in a 10 ml Schlenk, by adding 5 ml of 2-propanol to the complex (7) (1.6 mg, 0.0021 mmol). By stirring, the complex dissolved completely over a period of a few minutes. In a second Schlenk (50 ml), 240 μl of the previously prepared solution containing the catalyst and 0.4 ml of a 0.1 M NaO^(i)Pr solution in 2-propanol were added to a solution of acetophenone (240 μl, 2 mmol) in 19 ml of 2-propanol under reflux. The start of the reaction was considered to be when the complex was added. The molar ratios of acetophenone/catalyst/NaO^(i)Pr were 20000/1/400, and the substrate concentration was 0.1 M.

b) reduction of acetophenone catalysed by the complexes (6), (9), (10), (11), (7a), (8a) and (9a).

In a similar manner to the procedure used for the complex (7), tests were carried out on the catalytic reduction of acetophenone using the complexes (6), (9), (10), (11) (0.0021 mmol) and the data are given in table 1.

Example 18 Catalytic Reduction of Linear and Cyclic Dialkyl Ketones, Alkylaryl Ketones, Diarylketones and Aldehydes in the Presence of the Complex (7)

The catalyst solution was prepared in a 10 ml Schlenk by adding 5 ml of 2-propanol to the complex (7) (1.6 mg, 0.0021 mmol). By stirring, the complex completely dissolved over a period of a few minutes.

Separately, in a second Schlenk (50 ml), 240 μl of the previously prepared solution containing the catalyst and 0.4 ml of a 0.1 M NaO^(i)Pr solution in 2-propanol were added to a ketone or aldehyde solution (2 mmol) in 19 ml of 2-propanol under reflux. The start of the reaction was considered to be when the complex was added. The molar ratios of substrate/catalyst/NaO^(i)Pr were 20000/1/400, and the substrate concentration was 0.1 M. The GC analysis data are given in table 1.

TABLE 1 Catalytic reduction of ketones and aldehydes (0.1 M) to alcohols in the presence of the complexes (6), (7), (9), (10), (11). Conversion TOF Complex Ketone % (min) (h⁻¹)  6^([a]) Acetophenone 92 (15) 70 000  7 Acetophenone 97 (2) 1 200 000  7^([b]) Acetophenone 97 (10) 270 000  9 Acetophenone 98 (2) 1 400 000 10 Acetophenone 98 (5) 830 000 11 Acetophenone 98 (5) 1 080 000  7 5-hexen-2-one 99 (5) 1 130 000  7 Cyclohexanone 97 (2) 1 160 000  7 3′-Methoxyacetophenone 97 (2) 1 800 000  7 2′-Chloroacetophenone 99 (2) 1 800 000  7^([c]) Cyclohexanealdehyde 100 (5) 200 000 The molar ratios of ketone/complex/NaO^(i)Pr were equal to 20000/1/400. The reaction was carried out under reflux. ^([a])The molar ratios of acetophenone/(7)/NaO^(i)Pr were equal to 5000/1/100 ^([b])Reaction carried out at 60° C. ^([c])Molar ratios of aldehyde/(7)/K₂CO₃ were equal to 1000/1/500

The experimental results show that with the complex (7), the reduction of linear, cyclic and aryl alkyl ketones, and aldehydes to the corresponding alcohols in 2-propanol under reflux was extremely fast and was complete within a few minutes, with substrate/catalyst ratios equal to 20000 (see text). The turnover frequency values (TOF) were between 200000 and 18000001 h⁻¹, depending of the steric and electronic characteristics of the substrate (table 1). Examination of the data in the literature indicates that the complex (7) is one of the most active hydrogen transfer catalysts, since previously reported systems have exhibited a TOF for acetophenone of generally less than 10000 h⁻¹, except for the Mathieu complex which exhibits a TOF of 90000 h⁻¹ (H. Yang, M. Alvarez, N. Lugan, R. Mathieu, J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Commun. 1995, 1721). Moreover the alkoxide derivative (9) and the chloride derivatives with benzo[h]quinoline ligands containing a Me or ^(t)Bu group (10) and (11), exhibit very high activity comparable to that of the derivative (7).

By way of example the synthesis of benzhydryl, an important intermediate for the preparation of antihistamines and other pharmaceutical derivatives from benzophenone, is also provided. The reaction can also be carried out starting from a more concentrated solution of acetophenone (1 M) and removing the acetone produced by distillation.

In a similar manner to the procedure used for the complex (7a), tests were carried out on the catalytic reduction of acetophenone using the complexes (8a), (9a) and the data are given in table 2.

Example 19 Catalytic Reduction of Linear and Cyclic Dialkyl Ketones, Alkylaryl Ketones and Diarylketones in the Presence of the Osmium Complex (7a)

The catalyst solution was prepared in a 10 ml Schlenk by adding 5 ml of 2-propanol to the complex (7a) (1.8 mg, 0.0021 mmol). By stirring, the complex dissolves completely over a period of a few minutes.

Separately, in a second Schlenk (50 ml), 200 μl of the previously prepared solution containing the catalyst and 0.4 ml of a 0.1 M NaO^(i)Pr solution in 2-propanol were added to a solution of ketone (2 mmol) in 19 ml of 2-propanol under reflux. The start of the reaction was considered to be when the complex was added. The molar ratios of ketone/catalyst/NaO^(i)Pr were 20000/1/400. The GC analysis data are given in table 2.

TABLE 2 Catalytic reduction of ketones (0.1 M) to alcohols in the presence of the complexes (7a), (8a) and (9a). Conversion TOF Complex Ketone % (min) (h−1) 7a Acetophenone 96 (5) 1 300 000 7a Acetophenone^([a]) 93 (30) 430 000 8a Acetophenone 97 5 610 000 9a Acetophenone 99 5 810 000 7a 5-hexen-2-one 97 (10) 300 000 7a Cyclohexanone 98 (5) 700 000 7a 2′-Methoxyacetophenone 99 (2) 1 800 000 The molar ratios of ketone/complex/NaO^(i)Pr were equal to 20000/1/400. The reaction was carried out under reflux. ^([a])the molar ratios of ketone/complex/NaOiPr were equal to 100000/1/2000.

Example 20 Synthesis of Benzhydrol

1.82 g of benzophenone (10 mmol) and 98 ml of 2-propanol were added to a 100 ml flask under argon atmosphere and heated to reflux. A 0.1 M NaO^(i)Pr solution in 2-propanol (2 ml) and 400 μl of a 2-propanol solution containing the catalyst (7) (3 mg, 0.0039 mmol dissolved in 8 ml of 2-propanol) were added. The molar ratios of benzophenone/catalyst/NaO^(i)Pr were equal to 50000/1/1000. ¹H NMR analysis of the mixture indicated that the reaction was complete after 2 hours. By evaporating the solvent, a colourless residue was obtained which was extracted with 30 ml of diethyl ether. This solution was then passed through a silica filled column to remove the catalyst and sodium alkoxide. The filtrate was treated with Na₂SO₄, filtered, and removal of the solvent led to benzhydrol which was dried under reduced pressure (10⁻² mmHg).

Product isolated: 1.6 g (87% yield).

B1.2 Reduction of Ketones and Imines by Hydrogenation

All the procedures were carried out under hydrogen atmosphere, using previously deaerated and distilled methanol.

Example 21 Catalytic Reduction of Linear and Cyclic Dialkyl Ketones, Alkylaryl Ketones and Imines in the Presence of Ruthenium Complexes (7) and (9) and Osmium Complex (7a) by Hydrogenation

The catalyst solution was prepared in a 10 ml Schlenk by adding 2 ml of methanol to the complex (7) (1.3 mg, 0.0017 mmol, or (9) 1.6 mg, 0.0017 mmol, or (7a) 1.5 mg, 0.0017 mmol). By stirring, the complex dissolved completely over a period of a few minutes.

Separately, in a second Schlenk (25 ml), 9.6 mg of KO^(t)Bu (0.086 mmol) and 0.5 ml of the previously prepared solution containing the catalyst were added to a previously distilled solution of ketone (4.3 mmol) in methanol (7.6 ml). The mixture was transferred into a temperature controlled reactor at 40° C. for the ruthenium and 70° C. for the osmium. Molecular hydrogen (H₂) was introduced at a pressure of 5 bar. The start of the reaction was considered to be when the hydrogen was added. The molar ratios of ketone/catalyst/KO^(t)Bu were 10000/1/200 and the substrate concentration was 0.5 M. The GC analysis data are given in table 3.

TABLE 3 Catalytic reduction of ketones (0.5 M) to alcohols in the presence of the complexes (7), (9) and (7a). Conversion TOF Complex Ketone % (h) (h⁻¹) 7 Acetophenone 100 (30 min) 31 000 7^([a]) Acetophenone 98 (1) 17 000 7^([b]) Acetophenone 93 (6) 13 000 9 Acetophenone 98 (30 min) 29 000 7^([c]) 5-hexen-2-one 95 (1) 14 000 7 Cyclohexanone 100 (1) 19 000 7 2-heptanone 100 (1) 30 000 7^([d]) N-benzylidenebenzenamine 93 (10) 1 400 7a Acetophenone 99 (2) 7 000 7a 2-methylcyclohexanone 100 (3 h) 5 400 The molar ratios of ketone/complex/KO^(t)Bu were equal to 10000/1/200. Temperature = 40° C. for the ruthenium complexes (7) and (9) and 70° C. for the osmium complex (7a). H₂ pressure = 5 bar, solvent = methanol. ^([a])the molar ratios of ketone/complex/KO^(t)Bu were equal to 5000/1/100 ^([b])the molar ratios of ketone/complex/KO^(t)Bu were equal to 50000/1/1000 ^([c])from the ¹H-NMR data no reduction at the olefin bond was observed ^([d])the molar ratios of imine/complex/KO^(t)Bu were equal to 5000/1/100.

The use of these new catalysts involves a high rate of reduction of ketones with quantitative conversion into the products within a few minutes and therefore these ruthenium complexes are ideal for the synthesis of a large number of alcohols of R₂CHOH type and of racemic mixtures of RR′CHOH where the R, R′ groups are saturated or unsaturated linear or cyclic aliphatic groups, or aromatic hydrocarbon groups, which may either possess or not possess substituent alkyl groups, substituent groups containing oxygen, halogen atoms or pyridines. Imines can also be reduced to amines by this path.

B2. Catalytic Tests with Chiral Catalysts

B2.2 Asymmetric Reduction of Ketones by Hydrogen Transfer

All the operations were carried out under argon atmosphere, using previously distilled and deaerated 2-propanol.

Example 22 Enantioselective Reduction of Acetophenone (0.1 M) in the Presence of Chiral Ruthenium Complexes (12)-(13)-(14)-(15)

The procedure of enantioselective acetophenone reduction catalysed by the complex (12) is described. The same method was used with the complexes (13)-(14)-(15) and the results are given in table 4.

a) enantioselective reduction of acetophone to 1-phenylethanol catalysed by the complex (12).

The catalyst solution was prepared in a 10 ml Schlenk by adding 5 ml of 2-propanol to the complex (12) (1.9 mg, 0.002 mmol). By stirring, the complex completely dissolved over a period of a few minutes.

Separately, in a second Schlenk (50 ml), 240 μl of the previously prepared solution containing the catalyst and 0.4 ml of a 0.1 M NaO^(i)Pr solution in 2-propanol were added to a solution of ketone (2 mmol) in 19 ml of 2-propanol under reflux. The start of the reaction was considered to be when the complex was added. The molar ratios of ketone/catalyst/NaO^(i)Pr were 20000/1/400, and the substrate concentration was 0.1 M. The GC analysis data are given in table 4.

b) enantioselective reduction of acetophenone to 1-phenylethanol catalysed by the complexes (13)-(14)-(15).

In a similar manner to the procedure used for the complex (12), tests were carried out on the catalytic reduction of acetophenone using the complexes (13)-(14)-(15) (0.002 mmol) and the results are given in table 4.

TABLE 4 Enantioselective reduction of ketones (0.1 M) to the corresponding chiral alcohols in the presence of chiral complexes of ruthenium (12)-(13)-(14)-(15) at 60° C. Conversion TOF Complex Ketone % (min) ee % (h⁻¹) 12 Acetophenone 97 (30) 86 R 125 000 12 2′-Chloroacetophenone 97 (60) 89 R 64 000 13 Acetophenone 98 (40) 96 S 100 000 13 2′-Chloroacetophenone 98 (40) 97 S 115 000 13 2′-Methylacetophenone 96 (60) 94 S 60 000 14 Acetophenone 95 (30) 73 S 105 000 15 Acetophenone 97 (30) 26 R 190000 The molar ratios of ketone/complex/NaO^(i)Pr were equal to 20000/1/1400

B2.2 Asymmetric Reduction of Ketones by Hydrogenation

All the procedures were carried out under hydrogen atmosphere using previously distilled and deaerated methanol and ethanol.

Example 23 Catalytic Reduction of Alkylaryl Ketones in the Presence of the Complex (13) by Hydrogenation

The catalyst solution was prepared in a 10 ml Schlenk by adding 2 ml of a methanol:ethanol mixture in a 7:3 ratio (by volume) to the complex (13) (1.8 mg, 0.0017 mmol). By stirring, the complex completely dissolved over a period of a few minutes.

Separately, in a second Schlenk (25 ml), 9.6 mg of KO^(t)Bu (0.086 mmol) and 0.5 ml of the previously prepared solution containing the catalyst were added to a solution of ketone (4.3 mmol) in a methanol:ethanol mixture (7:3 by volume; 7.6 ml). The mixture was transferred into a temperature controlled reactor at 40° C. Molecular hydrogen (H₂) was introduced at 5 bar pressure. The start of the reaction was considered to be when hydrogen was added. The molar ratios of ketone/catalyst/KO^(t)Bu were 10000/1/200 and the substrate concentration was 0.5 M. The GC analysis data are given in table 5.

TABLE 5 Catalytic reduction of ketones (0.5 M) to the corresponding chiral alcohols in the presence of the complex (13). Conversion TOF Ketone % (h) ee % (h⁻¹) Acetophenone 100 (1) 92 S 15 000 2′-Chloroacetophenone  95 (1) 89 S 15 000 3′-Methoxyacetophenone 100 (1) 94 S 16 000 The molar ratios of ketone/complex/KO^(t)Bu were equal to 10000/1/200. Temperature = 40° C. H₂ pressure = 5 bar, solvent = methanon:ethanol mixture (7:3 by volume). 

1-26. (canceled)
 27. A ligand derived from benzo[h]quinoline, with a —CHR₁—NH₂ group in position 2 represented by the formula (I)

wherein: R₁ is an aliphatic or an aromatic group; R₂, R₃ and R₄ are equal or different from each other and are hydrogen atoms, aliphatic or aromatic groups, halogen atoms, alkoxo groups, nitro groups, cyano groups.
 28. The ligand derived from benzo[h]quinoline, with a —CHR₁—NH₂ group in position 2 according to claim 27, wherein R₂, R₃ and R₄ are H.
 29. The ligand derived from benzo[h]quinoline, with a —CHR₁—NH₂ group in position 2 according to claim 27, wherein R₁ is a methyl and R₂, R₃ and R₄ are H.
 30. The ligand derived from benzo[h]quinoline, with a —CHR₁—NH₂ group in position 2 according to claim 27, wherein R₁ is a tert-butyl and R₂, R₃ and R₄ are H.
 31. A ligand derived from benzo[h]quinoline with a —CHR₁—NH₂ group in position 2 represented by the formula (I)

where R₁ is H, an aliphatic or an aromatic group and where R₂, R₃ and R₄ are equal or different and are hydrogen atoms, aliphatic and aromatic groups, halogen atoms, alkoxo groups, nitro groups, cyano groups, for use in a method for preparing transition metal complexes selected from iron, ruthenium and osmium.
 32. A process for preparing a ligand derived from benzo[h]quinoline with a —CHR₁—NH₂ group in position 2 represented by the formula (I)

where R₁ is H, an aliphatic or an aromatic group and where R₂, R₃ and R₄ are equal or different and are hydrogen atoms, aliphatic and aromatic groups, halogen atoms, alkoxo groups, nitro groups, cyano groups, wherein said ligand, when R₁ is methyl or tert-butyl, is obtainable from 2-bromobenzo[h]quinoline or from 2-chlorobenzo[h]quinoline with preparation of the corresponding oxime and subsequent catalytic reduction thereof.
 33. A transition metal complex represented by the general formula (II) [MXL_(m) L′]  (II) wherein M, X, L and L′ are: M a group VIII transition metal selected from iron, ruthenium and osmium; X a halogen, a hydrogen, an alkoxide (OR); L a ligand selected from the groups consisting of: a) a monodentate phosphine of general formula PR¹R²R³ where R¹, R² and R³ are equal or different and are aliphatic or aromatic groups; b) a bidentate phosphine of PR′₂—Z—PR″₂ type where Z is an optionally substituted hydrocarbon chain with preference for diphosphines of PR′₂(CH₂)_(x)PR″₂, with x being equal to 2, 3 or 4, where R′ and R″ are equal or different and are aliphatic or aromatic groups; c) an optically active diphosphine; and m is equal to 1 or 2 with the proviso that m is equal to 1 when the ligand L is selected from group b) or c) and is equal to 2 when the ligand L is selected from group a) and that in this case the ligands L are equal or different; L′ a tridentate cyclometalated ligand derived from benzo[h]quinoline, with a —CHR₁—NH₂ group in position 2, of CNN type of formula (Ib)

where R₁ is a hydrogen, an aliphatic or an aromatic group and where R₂, R₃ and R₄ are equal or different and are hydrogen atoms, aliphatic and aromatic groups, halogen atoms, alkoxo groups, nitro groups, cyano groups.
 34. The transition metal complex according to claim 33, wherein M is selected from ruthenium and osmium.
 35. The transition metal complex according to claim 33, wherein when M is ruthenium and m is equal to 2 they are represented by the formula (V) [RuXL₂L′]  (V) wherein: X is a halogen, a hydrogen, an alkoxide (OR); L are monodentate phosphines, equal or different, selected from group a); L′ is a tridentate ligand of CNN type of formula (Ib).
 36. The transition metal complex according to claim 33, wherein when M is ruthenium and m is equal to 1 they are represented by the formula (VI) [RuXL₁L′]  (VI) wherein: X is a halogen, a hydrogen or an alkoxide (OR); L is a bidentate phosphine selected from group b) or an optically active diphosphine selected from group c); L′ is a tridentate ligand of CNN type of formula (Ib).
 37. The transition metal complex according to claim 33, wherein when M is osmium and m is equal to 2 they are represented by the formula (VII) [OsXL₂L′]  (VII) wherein: X is a halogen, a hydrogen, an alkoxide (OR); L are monodentate phosphines, equal or different, selected from group a); L′ is a tridentate ligand of CNN type of formula (Ib).
 38. The transition metal complex according to claim 33, wherein when M is osmium and m is equal to 1, the complexes are represented by the formula (VIII) [OsXL₁L′]  (VIII) wherein: X is a halogen, a hydrogen, an alkoxide (OR); L is a bidentate phosphine selected from group b) or an optically active diphosphine selected from group c); L′ is a tridentate ligand of CNN type of formula (Ib).
 39. The transition metal complex according to claim 33, wherein X is chlorine or bromine.
 40. The transition metal complex according to claim 33, wherein when L is a phosphine of group a) it is PPh₃.
 41. The transition metal complex according to claim 33, wherein when L is a phosphine of group b) it is PPh₂(CH₂)₄PPh₂.
 42. The transition metal complex according to claim 33, wherein when L is a diphosphine of group c) it is selected from the group consisting of (R,S)-JOSIPHOS, (S,R)-JOSIPHOS*, (S,S)-SKEWPHOS and (S)-MeO-BIPHEP.
 43. The transition metal complex according to claim 33, wherein R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ of the ligand L′ of formula (Ib) are H.
 44. The transition metal complexes according to claim 33, wherein R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ of the ligand L′ of formula (Ib) are: R₁ a methyl and R₂, R₃ and R₄H.
 45. The transition metal complexes according to claim 33, wherein R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ of the ligand L′ of formula (Ib) are: R₁ a tert-butyl and R₂, R₃ and R₄H.
 46. A process for preparing the transition metal complexes represented by the general formula (II) [MXL_(m) L′]  (II) wherein M, X, L and L′ are: M a group VIII transition metal selected from iron, ruthenium and osmium; X a halogen, a hydrogen, an alkoxide (OR); L a ligand selected from the groups consisting of: a) a monodentate phosphine of general formula PR¹R²R³ where R¹, R² and R³ are equal or different and are aliphatic or aromatic groups; b) a bidentate phosphine of PR′₂—Z—PR″₂ type where Z is an optionally substituted hydrocarbon chain with preference for diphosphines of PR′₂(CH₂)_(x)PR″₂, with x being equal to 2, 3 or 4, where R′ and R″ are equal or different and are aliphatic or aromatic groups; c) an optically active diphosphine; and m is equal to 1 or 2 with the proviso that m is equal to 1 when the ligand L is selected from group b) or c) and is equal to 2 when the ligand L is selected from group a) and that in this case the ligands L are equal or different; L′ a tridentate cyclometalated ligand derived from benzo[h]quinoline, with a —CHR₁—NH₂ group in position 2, of CNN type of formula (Ib)

where R₁ is a hydrogen, an aliphatic or an aromatic group and where R₂, R₃ and R₄ are equal or different and are hydrogen atoms, aliphatic and aromatic groups, halogen atoms, alkoxo groups, nitro groups, cyano groups, comprising the steps of providing a ligand derived from benzo[h]quinoline, with a —CHR₁—NH₂ group in position 2, represented by the formula (I)

where R₁ is H, an aliphatic or an aromatic group and where R₂, R₃ and R₄ are equal or different and are hydrogen atoms, aliphatic and aromatic groups, halogen atoms, alkoxo groups, nitro groups, cyano groups; and reacting said ligand with a transition metal precursor in the presence of suitable phosphines and a base.
 47. The process for preparing the transition metal complexes of claim 46, wherein the metal precursors for preparing the complexes are precursors containing monodentate phosphines of formula MX₂P_(n) (M=Ru, Os; X=Cl, Br; P=PPh₃; n=3, 4).
 48. A method for reduction of a ketone to an alcohol comprising the steps: providing a transition metal complex represented by the general formula (II) [MXL_(m) L′]  (II) wherein M, X, L and L′ are: M a group VIII transition metal selected from iron, ruthenium and osmium; X a halogen, a hydrogen, an alkoxide (OR); L a ligand selected from the groups consisting of: a) a monodentate phosphine of general formula PR¹R²R³ where R¹, R² and R³ are equal or different and are aliphatic or aromatic groups; b) a bidentate phosphine of PR′₂—Z—PR″₂ type where Z is an optionally substituted hydrocarbon chain with preference for diphosphines of PR′₂(CH₂)_(x):PR″₂, with x being equal to 2, 3 or 4, where R′ and R″ are equal or different and are aliphatic or aromatic groups; c) an optically active diphosphine; and m is equal to 1 or 2 with the proviso that m is equal to 1 when the ligand L is selected from group b) or c) and is equal to 2 when the ligand L is selected from group a) and that in this case the ligands L are equal or different; L′ a tridentate cyclometalated ligand derived from benzo[h]quinoline, with a —CHR₁—NH₂ group in position 2, of CNN type of formula (Ib)

where R₁ is a hydrogen, an aliphatic or an aromatic group and where R₂, R₃ and R₄ are equal or different and are hydrogen atoms, aliphatic and aromatic groups, halogen atoms, alkoxo groups, nitro groups, cyano groups; and reducing a ketone to an alcohol corresponding to the ketone by transferring hydrogen from another alcohol to the ketone, wherein said transition metal complex is used as catalyst in the reduction reaction.
 49. A method for reduction of a ketone to an alcohol comprising the steps: providing a transition metal complex represented by the general formula (II) [MXL_(m) L′]  (II) wherein M, X, L and L′ are: M a group VIII transition metal selected from iron, ruthenium and osmium; X a halogen, a hydrogen, an alkoxide (OR); L a ligand selected from the groups consisting of: a) a monodentate phosphine of general formula PR¹R²R³ where R¹, R² and R³ are equal or different and are aliphatic or aromatic groups; b) a bidentate phosphine of PR′₂—Z—PR″₂ type where Z is an optionally substituted hydrocarbon chain with preference for diphosphines of PR′₂(CH₂)_(x)PR″₂, with x being equal to 2, 3 or 4, where R′ and R″ are equal or different and are aliphatic or aromatic groups; c) an optically active diphosphine; and m is equal to 1 or 2 with the proviso that m is equal to 1 when the ligand L is selected from group b) or c) and is equal to 2 when the ligand L is selected from group a) and that in this case the ligands L are equal or different; L′ a tridentate cyclometalated ligand derived from benzo[h]quinoline, with a —CHR₁—NH₂ group in position 2, of CNN type of formula (Ib)

where R₁ is a hydrogen, an aliphatic or an aromatic group and where R₂, R₃ and R₄ are equal or different and are hydrogen atoms, aliphatic and aromatic groups, halogen atoms, alkoxo groups, nitro groups, cyano groups; and reducing a ketone to an alcohol corresponding to the ketone by reacting the ketone with gaseous hydrogen, wherein said transition metal complex is used as catalyst in the reduction reaction.
 50. A transition metal complex represented by the general formula (II) [MXL_(m) L′]  (II) wherein M, X, L and L′ are: M a group VIII transition metal selected from iron, ruthenium and osmium; X a halogen, a hydrogen, an alkoxide (OR); L a ligand selected from the groups consisting of: a) a monodentate phosphine of general formula PR¹R²R³ where R¹, R² and R³ are equal or different and are aliphatic or aromatic groups; b) a bidentate phosphine of PR′₂—Z—PR″₂ type where Z is an optionally substituted hydrocarbon chain with preference for diphosphines of PR′₂(CH₂)_(x)PR″₂, with x being equal to 2, 3 or 4, where R′ and R″ are equal or different and are aliphatic or aromatic groups; c) an optically active diphosphine; and m is equal to 1 or 2 with the proviso that m is equal to 1 when the ligand L is selected from group b) or c) and is equal to 2 when the ligand L is selected from group a) and that in this case the ligands L are equal or different; L′ a tridentate cyclometalated ligand derived from benzo[h]quinoline, with a —CHR₁—NH₂ group in position 2, of CNN type of formula (Ib)

where R₁ is a hydrogen, an aliphatic or an aromatic group and where R₂, R₃ and R₄ are equal or different and are hydrogen atoms, aliphatic and aromatic groups, halogen atoms, alkoxo groups, nitro groups, cyano groups, obtainable in situ during the catalytic reduction by a process of preparation wherein a ligand derived from benzo[h]quinoline, with a —CHR₁—NH₂ group in position 2, represented by the formula (I)

where R₁ is H, an aliphatic or an aromatic group and where R₂, R₃ and R₄ are equal or different and are hydrogen atoms, aliphatic and aromatic groups, halogen atoms, alkoxo groups, nitro groups, cyano groups is reacted with a precursor of the same transition metal in the presence of suitable phosphines and a base.
 51. The transition metal complex according to claim 50, wherein the metal precursors for preparing the complexes are precursors containing monodentate phosphines of formula MX₂P_(n) (M=Ru, Os; X=Cl, Br; P=PPh₃; n=3, 4). 